SCOTLAND

Departmental ICT

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information technology projects initiated by his Department have been cancelled prior to completion in the last five years; and what the cost of each such project was to the public purse.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office shares an information technology system (SCOTS) with the Scottish Executive, which is responsible for the development, administration and maintenance of the system; consequently, the Office does not directly undertake IT projects.

Departmental Paper

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of paper used  (a) for photocopying and  (b) in printed publications by his Department was from recycled sources in each of the last two years.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office participates in a contract, let by the Scottish Executive, which allows for the purchase of photocopy paper from recycled sources. All areas with purchasing authority have been advised to procure recycled paper for the purpose of photocopying.
	The Office obtains printed publications from a variety of sources. Figures are not held centrally of the percentage of recycled paper used in printed publications. However, the Office routinely requires that printers source paper that has a minimum of 75 per cent. recycled content.

Departmental Pay

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was claimed in reimbursable expenses by press officers in his Department in each of the last three financial years.

David Cairns: Direct payments to press officers in the last three financial years were.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2005-06 2,738 
			 2006-07 647 
			 2007-08 1,006

Departmental Procurement

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his Department's policy is on requesting discounts from its suppliers in return for swift payment of invoices.

David Cairns: In 2007-08, the Scotland Office paid 99.53 per cent. of its invoices within 30 days.
	The Office has few directly negotiated contracts and endeavours to utilise existing contracts of other government departments whenever possible; the prices negotiated under these contracts take into account the obligation to make prompt payment.

Departmental Public Buildings

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which organisations have received  (a) free and  (b) discounted room hire from his Department in each of the last five years; and what the commercial value of the discount was in each case.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office does not charge fees for the use of its premises for events held by external organisations. All events are held with the permission of the Secretary of State for Scotland. The external organisations meet all the catering and entertainment costs.

Departmental Public Participation

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what  (a) listening exercises and  (b) public forums his Department has held in each of the last two years; what the (i) purpose and (ii) cost was in each case; and what the private contractor was and how much it was paid in each case.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office has undertaken two targeted and time-limited public consultations; one entitled "Scottish Parliament Elections May 2007: Ballot Paper Design", the other, "Sorting the Ballot". The Office also participated in a joint consultation with the Ministry of Justice and the Wales Office on "Fees for the Marked Register of Electors produced at UK Elections". The Office has undertaken no listening exercises or public forums in the last two years.

Hypothermia

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his most recent estimate is of the number of deaths from hypothermia and related conditions which will occur in Scotland between October 2008 and April 2009.

David Cairns: The registration of deaths in Scotland is a matter for the General Register Office for Scotland, part of the devolved administration.

WALES

Departmental ICT

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what information technology projects initiated by his Department have been cancelled prior to completion in the last five years; and what the cost of each such project was to the public purse.

Paul Murphy: None.

Departmental Official Hospitality

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much his Department spent on entertainment in each of the last five years.

Paul Murphy: My Department's records are held by financial year. Typically, since 2006-07, Wales Office will hold a St. David's day reception in London and summer and winter receptions in both London and Cardiff, for parliamentarians, Assembly Members and others prominent in Welsh affairs. No Cardiff receptions were held in 2003-04 and there was no summer reception in Cardiff in 2005. In each of the last five years, my Department has spent as follows:
	
		
			   £ 
			 2003-04 4,565 
			 2004-05 6,238 
			 2005-06 8,528 
			 2006-07 16,467 
			 2007-08 12,052

Departmental Pay

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much was claimed in reimbursable expenses by press officers in his Department in each of the last three financial years.

Paul Murphy: Wales Office press officers are appointed to work in both London and Cardiff offices, and elsewhere with Ministers, as required. They will be reimbursed for travelling and subsistence expenses incurred in their duties. The sums paid in each of the last three years were as follows:
	
		
			   £ 
			 2005-06 1,468 
			 2006-07 1,931.44 
			 2007-08 3,481.51 
		
	
	Additionally, depending where they are based on appointment, their terms and conditions may include civil service detached duty allowances to reflect costs incurred in living away from home.

Departmental Procurement

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his Department's policy is on requesting discounts from its suppliers in return for swift payment of invoices.

Paul Murphy: The Wales Office does not ask suppliers for discount, but aims to pay all invoices on time.

Departmental Public Buildings

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which organisations have received  (a) free and  (b) discounted room hire from his Department in each of the last five years; and what the commercial value of the discount was in each case.

Paul Murphy: In the last five years, the Wales Office has provided some very limited use of its premises to a number of organisations to host receptions. Records of this are not held centrally but include charitable and governmental bodies, such as the former Welsh Development Agency.

Departmental Public Participation

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 
	(1)  what  (a) listening exercises and  (b) public forums his Department has held in each of the last two years; what the (i) purpose and (ii) cost was in each case; and who the private contractor was and how much it was paid in each case;
	(2)  what  (a) reviews and  (b) public consultations have been initiated by his Department since 27 June 2007.

Paul Murphy: None.

Departmental Responsibilities

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which projects his Department has commissioned from  (a) think tanks and  (b) charities in each of the last two years for which figures are available; what the aim of each project was; which think tank or charity was commissioned; and how much was paid.

Paul Murphy: None.

Kurt Howard

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a response to the jury's narrative verdict in the inquest of Mr. Kurt Howard.

Paul Murphy: Justice issues in Wales are not devolved and are matters for the Secretary of State for Justice. In the case of Mr. Kurt Howard's tragic death, reflecting on the narrative verdict, I am advised that since 2002 there have been significant developments in clinical guidance, training and audit in respect of the management of violence and aggression across the NHS in Wales. This includes developing strategies that focus on preventing situations that result in patients being subjected to physical interventions.
	I understand that following the narrative verdict the ABM University NHS Trust will now be reviewing its original 2002 Action Plan to see if any additional work can be done to improve the service still further.

Olympic Games 2012

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues in the last 12 months on securing benefits to Wales from the 2012 Olympic Games.

Paul Murphy: My hon. Friend, the Under-Secretary of State and I have had several discussions over the course of the last year with ministerial colleagues to highlight the world class facilities that Wales has to offer the 2012 Olympics.
	Wales has already developed an international reputation as a nation capable of hosting, and winning, successful major sporting events. The Australian Paralympic Committee's has expressed its intention of coming to Wales and Wales has secured Olympic football.
	The Olympic Delivery Authority and London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games expect to directly procure £6 billion worth of contracts. The Government and the Welsh Assembly Government have actively encouraged small and medium-sized enterprises to register and compete for these contracts through the CompeteFor programme.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

House of Commons Members' Estimate Committee

John Stanley: To ask the Leader of the House if she will place in the Library a copy of the full text setting out the responsibilities of the Accounting Officer for the House of Commons Members' Estimate.

Helen Goodman: The House of Commons: Members Resource Accounts 2007-08 (HC 975) contain a short statement of the Accounting Officer's responsibilities. This makes clear that the Accounting Officer is responsible for the House of Commons financial reporting arrangements and for safeguarding the assets, while Members are responsible for regularity and propriety of the claims submitted.
	More detail on the duties of public sector Accounting Officers is set out in chapter 3 of HM Treasury's guidance document "Managing Public Money", which is available in the Library.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Admiralty House

Bob Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 17 December 2007,  Official Report, column 1079W, on Admiralty House, whether the provision of the official ministerial residences in Admiralty House to Lord Malloch-Brown includes the supply of  (a) linen and laundry services,  (b) porters,  (c) internal plants,  (d) catering services,  (e) telephones,  (f) cable or satellite television and  (g) internet access at (i) public expense or (ii) the resident's expense.

Phil Hope: I have been asked to reply.
	No internal plants or linen and laundry service are provided to the flat. The charge paid by occupying Departments to the Cabinet Office includes the provision of in-hours porter services. Catering services can be provided by the Cabinet Office's facilities management provider on a re-charge basis. Neither the Cabinet Office nor the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is providing telephone lines, internet access or cable or satellite television.

PRIME MINISTER

Employment

James Clappison: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 22 July 2008,  Official Report, columns 981-2W, on employment, what change there has been in the number of  (a) UK citizens and  (b) foreign nationals in employment in the UK since 1997.

Gordon Brown: I have nothing further to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member on 22 July 2008,  Official Report, columns 981-2W.

Written Statements

Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister what steps he took to ensure that his release of written ministerial statements on 22 July 2008 did not constitute a breach of section 9.3 of the Ministerial Code; and if he will make a statement on the application of the code to written ministerial statements issued on that date.

Gordon Brown: The information was published when it was ready.

DEFENCE

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK nationals have been taken into custody following military operations as part of Op Herrick in Afghanistan.

Des Browne: As I stated in the answer I gave on 9 June 2008,  Official Report, column 66W to the hon. Member for Chichester (Mr. Tyrie), the Ministry of Defence is undertaking a review of its detention records. I will write to the hon. Member when the review has completed.

Air Force: Training

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many non-commissioned officers in the RAF have achieved the National Examining Board for Supervision and Management Award at diploma level since 1998

Bob Ainsworth: I will write to the hon. Member with the information requested and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
	 Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to Mr. Lidington:
	I undertook to write to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question on 15 July 2008, (Official Report, column 299W) about the number of non-commissioned officers in the RAF who have achieved the National Examining Board for Supervision and Management Award at diploma level since 1988.
	Since 2003, 5,273 RAF Non-Commissioned Officers have attained professional qualifications, equivalent to a diploma, in Leadership and Management, accredited to the National Examining Board prior to 2005 and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) thereafter. Information prior to 2003 is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
	 Notes:
	RAF Halton offers ILM qualification, levels 2-5, broadly equivalent to BTEC First Diploma, BTEC National Diploma and Higher National Diplomas respectively.
	RAF Halton transferred its accreditation scheme from the National Examining Board to the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) in November 2005.
	The accreditation to ILM is broken down into 3 levels of qualification:
	a. AMLC Level 5 Award in Management
	b. IMLC Level 3 Award in First Line Management
	c. JMLC Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading
	I am placing a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Armed Forces: Cumbria

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces recruited in the last five years from  (a) Cumbria and  (b) Copeland are on front-line duty in (i) Iraq and (ii) Afghanistan.

Bob Ainsworth: Information on recruitment to the armed forces by specific region is not held centrally. We could provide the figures for the number of personnel on front-line duty in Iraq or Afghanistan broken down by their UK Unitary Authority only at disproportionate cost.

Armed Forces: Cumbria

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel have been recruited into the armed forces from  (a) Cumbria and  (b) Copeland in the last five years.

Bob Ainsworth: Information on the UK residential location of personnel recruited to the armed forces is not held centrally. We could provide the figures for the number of personnel recruited from any specific Unitary Authority only at disproportionate cost.

Armed Forces: Cumbria

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of members of the armed forces recruited in the last five years from  (a) Cumbria and  (b) Copeland did not complete basic training.

Bob Ainsworth: Information on the UK residential location of personnel recruited to the armed forces is not held centrally. We could provide the figures for the number of personnel who were recruited from any specific unitary authority who did not complete basic training only at disproportionate cost.

Armed Forces: Training

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the estimated total cost of the defence training review programme is.

Bob Ainsworth: The total cost for DTR Package 1 is currently estimated at around £12 billion, although this figure will continue to be subject to negotiations with Metrix and the ongoing review of assumptions related to the Project.
	Package 2 of DTR has just commenced an Assessment Phase. During the course of this two year period, a variety of options will be investigated. This will then lead to the determination of the full cost of Package 2.

Armed Forces: Uniforms

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how frequently military uniforms are worn in his Department's main buildings; what guidance his Department issues on the matter; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: All service personnel are encouraged to wear uniform on duty and uniform is regularly worn in the Department's main building in line with this.
	We do not instruct individuals to travel to and from work in uniform. That is a matter for personal choice and considered local threat assessment.

Armed Forces: Working Conditions

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government has taken to improve the base conditions for personnel serving overseas.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 9 July 2008
	We are continually looking at ways in which we can improve conditions for UK service personnel deployed overseas.
	I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 15 January 2008,  Official Report, columns 1130-31W, which gives details of some of the welfare measures currently provided on operations. In the permanent joint operating bases (Cyprus, Gibraltar, British Falkland Islands and British Indian Ocean Territory) we seek, where practicable, for our personnel to have access to the same welfare provision as those who serve within the UK. Recent improvements include an increase in the Get You Home (Overseas) and Concessionary Travel allowances.
	In terms of improvements to the bases themselves, we have undertaken substantial work over the last year to strengthen our defences and infrastructure. In Iraq, this ranges from building new facilities for our soldiers embedded with the Iraqi Army in Basra City to constructing individual overhead protection into each person's sleeping bay at Basra Air Station. In Afghanistan, this ranges from building new accommodation at Kandahar to improving conditions across our forward operating bases in Helmand Province.
	Substantial investment has been made to improve the condition of both the single living and service family accommodation in Cyprus and Gibraltar, together with the construction of 12 new houses at Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands. Investment is also programmed for the ageing utilities infrastructure in both Cyprus and the Falkland Islands.

Army: Foreigners

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the recruitment of citizens of overseas countries to the Army; and whether that policy includes a maximum proportion of the Army consisting of recruits from overseas countries.

Bob Ainsworth: The Army welcomes recruits from Foreign and Commonwealth countries. Foreign in this case means British Overseas, British Overseas Territory and Republic of Ireland citizens. The Army values the contribution such recruits make to the diversity and effectiveness of the service. The policy does not currently include a maximum proportion of recruits from these countries. We are, however, examining the implications of the rising levels of Foreign and Commonwealth citizens within the armed forces overall, not just the Army.

Army: West Indies

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people from the West Indies were recruited to the army in  (a) each of the first eight months of 2008,  (b) 2007,  (c) 2006 and  (d) 2005.

Bob Ainsworth: The following table shows how many people were recruited from Commonwealth countries within the Caribbean sea over the specified period.
	
		
			   Bahamas  Barbados  Dominica  Grenada  Jamaica  St. Lucia  St. Vincent  Trinidad  Total 
			 Total 2005 0 3 0 3 52 5 8 4 75 
			   
			 Total 2006 1 2 8 11 37 20 8 12 99 
			   
			 Total 2007 1 1 7 11 28 20 6 9 83 
			   
			 January 1 — — — 1 — — — 2 
			 February — — 1 2 — 1 — — 4 
			 March — — 1 2 2 — — — 5 
			 April — — — — 1 1 — 1 3 
			 May — — 1 2 6 5 — — 14 
			 June — — — — — — 2 — 2 
			 July — — — 1 2 3 14 — 20 
			 August — — — 6 3 — 27 1 37 
			 Total 2008 1 0 3 13 15 10 43 2 87

BAE Systems

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much BAE received from his Department in each year since 1998.

Bob Ainsworth: MOD payments made to BAE Systems plc as a holding company, for the latest five years where complete data are available, are detailed in the following table. All MOD contract payments data refer to extant contracts in the financial year in question. All expenditure is VAT exclusive and expressed at current prices, rounded to the nearest £10 million.
	
		
			  MOD payments to BAE Systems plc (at holding company level) 
			  Financial year  £ million 
			 2003-04 2,360 
			 2004-05 2,450 
			 2005-06 2,440 
			 2006-07 2,730 
			 2007-08(1) 3,520 
			 (1) Please note figures for 2007-08 are provisional and subject to change. Final analysis will appear in "UK Defence Statistics 2008" due for publication on 24 September 2008. 
		
	
	The analysis is based on payments made by the MOD Financial Management Shared Service Centre and its predecessor which processes some 95 per cent. by value of all MOD payments to industry. It excludes, for example, payments made by the MOD Trading Funds and low-value local purchase transactions, for which records are not held centrally.
	Data on a comparable basis relating to the years before 2003-04 are not available because we did not then collate spend with all divisions of the BAE Systems corporate structure and we could not retrospectively do so other than at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Marketing

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of  (a) internet and website design and hosting,  (b) print media design and  (c) broadcast media of each of his Department's public information campaigns since 1997.

Derek Twigg: This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Mass Media

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much media  (a) training and  (b) consultancy for Ministers and officials in his Department cost in each year since 1997.

Derek Twigg: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Overtime

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many hours of overtime were worked by staff in each pay grade in his Department in each of the last 12 months.

Derek Twigg: The amount of overtime worked by civil service staff in the period August 2007 to July 2008 is as follows:
	
		
			   2007  2008  
			  000 hours  Aug  Sep  Oct  Nov  Dec  Jan  Feb  Mar  Apr  May  Jun  Jul  Total 
			 Band B1 1.1 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.1 0.9 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.6 13.1 
			 Band B2 3.4 2.2 2.1 2.4 3.1 1.9 2.8 2.8 3.6 2.8 3.3 3.0 33.3 
			 Band C1 10.5 8.7 8.2 8.4 9.3 6.8 8.0 9.0 11.1 9.7 10.9 10.0 110.5 
			 Band C2 14.6 12.1 12.0 13.3 13.5 10.9 14.4 13.8 16.3 16.6 16.6 14.6 168.5 
			 Band D 23.9 19.5 22.1 20.2 21.2 17.4 21.5 22.1 26.5 21.7 29.5 24.8 270.4 
			 Band El 17.8 17.7 17.7 17.2 16.8 18.9 16.4 16.2 22.9 16.7 21.9 18.7 218.8 
			 Band E2 19.9 24.9 20.1 17.2 16.7 44.7 18.8 16.4 36.3 21.0 32.3 23.4 291.6 
			 Skill zone 1 11.1 11.5 10.9 10.3 12.0 11.9 10.2 9.8 16.3 11.9 15.2 14.7 145.8 
			 Skill zone 2 43.9 36.6 42.4 41.3 41.9 29.9 38.6 36.5 43.5 36.2 43.7 40.8 475.3 
			 Skill zone 3 38.1 33.2 35.9 35.8 39.9 33.7 35.6 36.1 41.5 33.9 45.1 38.8 447.6 
			 Skill zone 4 2.4 2.3 2.3 1.9 2.2 2.2 2.0 2.1 2.3 1.9 2.5 2.1 26.2 
			 Other grades 68.9 69.1 70.9 64.0 69.8 54.6 57.5 56.2 74.1 68.3 66.1 83.4 802.9 
		
	
	These figures exclude trading fund agencies.

Departmental Overtime

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost of overtime payments paid to staff in his Department was in each of the last 12 months, broken down by pay grade.

Derek Twigg: The cost of overtime worked by civil service staff in the period August 2007 to July 2008 is as follows:
	
		
			   2007 
			  £00.000  August  September  October  November  December 
			 Band B1 0.47 0.34 0.34 0.38 0.43 
			 Band B2 1.01 0.80 0.70 0.79 1.06 
			 Band C1 2.70 2.31 2.19 2.24 2.51 
			 Band C2 3.24 2.73 2.73 3.03 3.10 
			 Band D 4.53 3.80 4.21 3.93 4.15 
			 Band El 2.86 2.95 2.92 2.79 2.80 
			 Band E2 3.53 4.28 3.62 3.18 3.26 
			 Skill zone 1 1.39 1.47 1.39 1.31 1.52 
			 Skill zone 2 6.16 5.22 6.17 6.02 6.10 
			 Skill zone 3 5.74 5.07 5.58 5.58 6.25 
			 Skill zone 4 0.46 0.44 0.45 0.38 0.42 
			 Other grades 16.99 17.62 16.99 15.01 16.56 
		
	
	
		
			   2008 
			  £00.000  January  February  March  April  May  June  July  Total 
			 Band B1 0.39 0.48 0.40 0.53 0.53 0.56 0.65 5.50 
			 Band B2 0.66 0.95 0.96 1.23 0.97 1.10 1.03 11.24 
			 Band C1 1.84 2.18 2.41 3.08 2.65 2.97 2.72 29.81 
			 Band C2 2.52 3.30 3.21 3.79 3.79 3.87 3.31 38.62 
			 Band D 3.47 4.26 4.32 5.21 4.17 5.68 4.64 52.37 
			 Band El 3.19 2.71 2.67 3.78 2.77 3.61 3.01 36.07 
			 Band E2 7.01 3.45 3.02 6.03 3.71 5.26 4.01 50.35 
			 Skill zone 1 1.53 1.29 1.24 2.09 1.52 1.96 1.84 18.55 
			 Skill zone 2 4.40 5.59 5.28 6.29 5.21 6.29 5.79 68.52 
			 Skill zone 3 5.37 5.61 5.69 6.49 5.26 7.23 5.98 69.87 
			 Skill zone 4 0.44 0.40 0.40 0.46 0.37 0.50 0.43 5.16 
			 Other grades 16.42 14.25 13.32 20.21 17.60 18.31 19.97 203.26 
		
	
	These figures exclude trading fund agencies. (Figures include certain weekend premium payments relating to shift patterns as well as overtime, as these cannot readily be distinguished.)

Departmental Pay

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what bonuses were paid to senior civil servants in his Department in 2007-08;
	(2)  what proportion of bonus payments to senior civil servants in 2007-08 was paid to officials in his Department; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  how many senior civil servants in his Department are eligible for bonus payments in 2007-08; and how much is Department paid in bonus payments in that year.

Derek Twigg: We are not yet in a position to provide the information requested as this year's Senior Civil Service Pay Committee process for 2007-08 is not yet complete. I will write to the hon. Member when the information is available.
	 Substantive answer from Derek Twigg to Andrew M u rrison:
	I undertook to write to you in my answer to your question of 14 July 2008,  Official Report, column 168W about bonuses paid to Senior Civil Servants.
	It might be helpful if I begin by explaining the basis on which any MOD Civil Servant may be awarded a bonus. It is a key element of the Government's pay policy that a proportion of the pay of Civil Servants is performance related. MOD meets this requirement by awarding one off, non-consolidated and non-pensionable bonuses which very clearly reward performance in any given year rather than by increasing base pay which has a consolidated on-going effect even if performance later tails off. In turning specifically to bonuses for Senior Civil Servants, the policy framework for awarding them to members of the Senior Civil Service is set by the Cabinet Office. MOD is responsible for implementing its own pay and bonus arrangements within this framework through an agreed pay strategy. Any bonus award is based on a judgment of how well an individual has performed against their peers and they are awarded to those individuals judged to have made the highest in-year contribution to MOD business objectives. There is no restriction on the nature of the contribution; the only requirement is that it benefits the Department or Defence more widely. Recommendations for bonuses—which are considered by moderation committees—must be linked to demonstrable evidence of delivery. Up to 70 per cent. of staff may receive a bonus and only 10 per cent. of those assessed as making the greatest contribution may receive a high category bonus.
	Specifically, for reporting year 2007-08, the following amounts were available for Pay Bands 1, 2 and 3 and are shown under the permissible percentage of staff able to receive that level of award:
	
		
			  £ 
			  SCS pay band  Related bonus awards 
			   High 10%  Upper Medium 15%  Middle Medium 25%  Lower Medium 15%  Half Lower Medium 5% 
			 1 12,000 9,000 7,000 5,600 2,800 
			 2 16,500 12,500 9,500 8,000 4,000 
			 3 22,500 17,000 13,000 10,000 — 
		
	
	For 2007-08 there were 266 members of the SCS in Pay Bands 1-3 who were considered for a non-consolidated bonus. Money for these awards is taken from the allowable 8.6 per cent. of the MOD'S SCS pay pot, as recommended by the Senior Salaries Review Body in their Thirtieth Report published on 17 June 2008.
	Of those considered for an award, 187 individuals (i.e. 70 per cent.) were assessed by our pay committee process as meeting or exceeding the eligibility criteria and were paid something from the range of awards shown in the table. No-one was awarded the High award at Pay Band 3. Payments totalled £1.5 million which is within our allowable ceiling, and were confined to the permissible percentage spread detailed in the table.
	Pay and reward for Pay Band 4/Permanent Secretaries is considered by the Permanent Secretaries' Remuneration Committee and is subject to the same rules and regulations governed by the Senior Salaries Review Body and the Cabinet Office as the rest of the SCS. The range of awards paid to them for performance in 2007-08—expressed as a percentage of individual base pay—was 1.2 per cent.—12.8 per cent. and which was within the allowable ceiling. The MOD has two permanent SCS Pay Band 4s both of whom received a bonus.
	The Department also employs a number of members of the SCS on Fixed Term Appointments. These individuals are recruited to fill specific roles where the Department does not already have the skills in-house. They are employed on individual contracts which allow them a base salary and the opportunity to earn performance related bonuses specifically linked to business objectives. They are expected to deliver substantial benefits to the Department both in terms of outputs, delivering change programmes and skills transfer. As with the rest of the SCS the bonuses paid to those on Fixed Term Appointments are non-consolidated and non-pensionable. To date, for 2007-08, not all Fixed Term appointees have been assessed for performance awards. I will write further with details of these awards when the assessment exercise is complete.

Departmental Pay

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the salary of  (a) a private soldier and  (b) the Permanent Under-Secretary of his Department (i) was in each year since 1997 and (ii) will be in 2009-10.

Derek Twigg: Pay rates for the Permanent Under-Secretary and a private soldier are provided as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
			   Private soldier pay range  MOD Permanent Under-Secretary salary in £5,000 bands as published in annual SSRB report appendix 
			  From 1 April  Minimum  Maximum  From  To 
			 2007 15,677 24,328 165,000 169,999 
			 2006 14,323 23,535 160,000 164,999 
			 2005 13,866 22,849 155,000 (1)159,999 
			 2004 13,461 22,185 160,000 164,999 
			 2003 13,045 21,638 155,000 159,999 
			 2002 12,578 20,911 145,000 149,999 
			 2001 12,071 20,166 135,000 149,999 
			 2000 11,640 18,374 125,000 129,999 
			 1999 11,111 17,553 120,000 124,999 
			 1998 10,720 16,947 115,000 119,999 
			 1997 10,282 16,272 100,000 104,999 
			 (1) This band was reported in the Senior Salaries Review Body's report as MOD PUS' salary but it should be noted that it reflects the salary of the then new PUS appointed in November 2005. The retiring MOD PUS' salary was in band £165,000—£169,999. 
		
	
	Pay rates for UK service personnel are recommended by the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB). We do not yet know pay rates for 2009-10 for either the Permanent Under-Secretary or a private soldier.

Lasers

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to ensure the development of ground-based laser defence systems as part of the UK's counter-mortar and counter-rocket capabilities.

Des Browne: I can confirm that the Ministry of Defence continues to assess the potential of a range of technologies, including laser, to provide counter-indirect fire capability.

Military Aircraft

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason the out-of-service date of the Tucano T1 basic training aircraft has been deferred from April 2010 to March 2014.

Bob Ainsworth: The out of service date (OSD) for Tucano has been changed to 2014 in order to match the timelines for the replacement programme which is part of the UK Military Flying Training System (UK MFTS). The aircraft is fully capable of providing capability up to and beyond the revised OSD.

RAF Halton

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many armed forces personnel have received recruit training at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.

Bob Ainsworth: The following table gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received basic trade training for supply, catering and administration roles at RAF Halton. Information is only available from financial year 2003-04.
	
		
			  Financial Year  Recruit training 
			 2003-04 3,271 
			 2004-05 1,556 
			 2005-06 957 
			 2006-07 1,075 
			 2007-08 2,149 
		
	
	 Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to David Lidington:
	I answered a number of Parliamentary Questions you asked about training at RAF Halton on 14 July 2008 (Official Report, column 176W), 15 July 2008 (Official Report, column 312-3W) and 16 July 2008 (Official Report, column 450-1W). At that time information was not available prior to 2003-04 due to technical problems with a computer database. These technical problems have now been resolved and I am able to provide data for some of the missing years.
	For ease I have listed below each question and answer with the additional information in italics.
	Question Number 217590: how many armed forces personnel have received training from the Specialist Training School at RAF Halton for each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of courses delivered by the Specialist Training School (STS) at RAF Halton. I regret that data prior to Financial Year 2000-01 are not available.
	
		
			  Financial Year  Armed Forces Personnel 
			  2000-01  4,218 
			  2001-02  4,461 
			  2002-03  4,053 
			 2003-04 3,687 
			 2004-05 4,328 
			 2005-06 4,841 
			 2006-07 4,170 
			 2007-08 3,616 
		
	
	Question Number 217584: how many armed forces personnel have received basic trade training at RAF Halton for (a) supply roles, (b) catering and (c) administration roles in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received basic trade training for supply, catering and administration roles at RAF Halton since 1998.
	
		
			   Trade 
			  Financial Year  Catering  Administration  Supply 
			  1998-99  41  164  144 
			  1999-2000  57  122  243 
			  2000-01  71  56  166 
			  2001-02  128  125  170 
			  2002-03  193  147  217 
			 2003-04 201 120 159 
			 2004-05 188 65 134 
			 2005-06 51 — 50 
			 2006-07 61 — 40 
			 2007-08 44 — 45 
		
	
	Question Number 217583: how many armed forces personnel have received recruit training at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received recruit training at RAF Halton since 1998.
	
		
			  Financial Year  Recruit Training 
			  1998-99  3,342 
			  1999-2000  3,160 
			  2000-01  2,884 
			  2001-02  3,065 
			  2002-03  3,597 
			 2003-04 3,271 
			 2004-05 1,556 
			 2005-06 957 
			 2006-07 1,075 
			 2007-08 2,149 
			  Note: Training numbers for financial year 2007-08 includes figures for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 
		
	
	Question Number 217585: how many armed forces officers have received initial specialist officer training for (a) caterers and (b) administrators at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received initial specialist officer training at RAF Halton since 1998 in the categories requested.
	
		
			   Officer Specialisation 
			  Financial Year  Catering  Administration 
			  1998-99  4  91 
			  1999-2000  1  75 
			  2000-01  9  38 
			  2001-02  1  49 
			  2002-03  0  45 
			 2003-04 8 75 
			 2004-05 3 46 
			 2005-06 6 19 
			 2006-07 0 19 
			 2007-08 0 22 
		
	
	Question Number 217588: how many non-commissioned officers have taken the (a) junior management and leadership course, (b) intermediate management and leadership course and (c) advanced management and leadership course at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The following table gives the number of non-commissioned officers who have taken courses at RAF Halton in the categories requested, since 1998.
	
		
			  Course  Financial year  Number of officers 
			  Junior management and leadership course (Junior—on promotion to corporal)   
			   1998-99  1,179 
			   1999-2000  1,111 
			   2000-01  1,362 
			   2001-02  1,496 
			   2002-03  1,474 
			  2003-04 1,565 
			  2004-05 2,035 
			  2005-06 1,201 
			  2006-07 1,210 
			  2006-07 1,210 
			  2007-08 1,182 
			
			  Intermediate management and leadership course (Intermediate—on promotion to sergeant)   
			   1998-99  971 
			   1999-2000  802 
			   2000-01  888 
			   2001-02  898 
			   2002-03  515 
			  2003-04 974 
			  2004-05 1,521 
			  2005-06 903 
			  2006-07 812 
			  2007-08 875 
			
			  Advanced management and leadership course (Advanced—on promotion to flight sergeant)   
			   1998-99( 1)  — 
			   1999-2000  121 
			   2000-01  239 
			   2001-02  237 
			   2002-03  251 
			  2003-04 273 
			  2004-05 475 
			  2005-06 279 
			  2006-07 256 
			  2007-08 253 
			 (1) Course did not exist. 
		
	
	I am placing a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

RAF Halton

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces personnel have received basic trade training at RAF Halton for  (a) supply roles,  (b) catering and  (c) administration roles in each year since 1998.

Bob Ainsworth: The following table gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received basic trade training for supply, catering and administration roles at RAF Halton. Information is only available from financial year 2003-04.
	
		
			  Trade 
			   Catering  Administration  Supply 
			 2003-04 201 120 159 
			 2004-05 188 65 134 
			 2005-06 51 — 50 
			 2006-07 61 — 40 
			 2007-08 44 — 45 
		
	
	 Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to David Lidington:
	I answered a number of Parliamentary Questions you asked about training at RAF Halton on 14 July 2008 (Official Report, column 176W), 15 July 2008 (Official Report, column 312-3W) and 16 July 2008 (Official Report, column 450-1W). At that time information was not available prior to 2003-04 due to technical problems with a computer database. These technical problems have now been resolved and I am able to provide data for some of the missing years.
	For ease I have listed below each question and answer with the additional information in italics.
	Question Number 217590: how many armed forces personnel have received training from the Specialist Training School at RAF Halton for each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of courses delivered by the Specialist Training School (STS) at RAF Halton. I regret that data prior to Financial Year 2000-01 are not available.
	
		
			  Financial Year  Armed Forces Personnel 
			  2000-01  4,218 
			  2001-02  4,461 
			  2002-03  4,053 
			 2003-04 3,687 
			 2004-05 4,328 
			 2005-06 4,841 
			 2006-07 4,170 
			 2007-08 3,616 
		
	
	Question Number 217584: how many armed forces personnel have received basic trade training at RAF Halton for (a) supply roles, (b) catering and (c) administration roles in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received basic trade training for supply, catering and administration roles at RAF Halton since 1998.
	
		
			   Trade 
			  Financial Year  Catering  Administration  Supply 
			  1998-99  41  164  144 
			  1999-2000  57  122  243 
			  2000-01  71  56  166 
			  2001-02  128  125  170 
			  2002-03  193  147  217 
			 2003-04 201 120 159 
			 2004-05 188 65 134 
			 2005-06 51 — 50 
			 2006-07 61 — 40 
			 2007-08 44 — 45 
		
	
	Question Number 217583: how many armed forces personnel have received recruit training at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received recruit training at RAF Halton since 1998.
	
		
			  Financial Year  Recruit Training 
			  1998-99  3,342 
			  1999-2000  3,160 
			  2000-01  2,884 
			  2001-02  3,065 
			  2002-03  3,597 
			 2003-04 3,271 
			 2004-05 1,556 
			 2005-06 957 
			 2006-07 1,075 
			 2007-08 2,149 
			  Note: Training numbers for financial year 2007-08 includes figures for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 
		
	
	Question Number 217585: how many armed forces officers have received initial specialist officer training for (a) caterers and (b) administrators at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received initial specialist officer training at RAF Halton since 1998 in the categories requested.
	
		
			   Officer Specialisation 
			  Financial Year  Catering  Administration 
			  1998-99  4  91 
			  1999-2000  1  75 
			  2000-01  9  38 
			  2001-02  1  49 
			  2002-03  0  45 
			 2003-04 8 75 
			 2004-05 3 46 
			 2005-06 6 19 
			 2006-07 0 19 
			 2007-08 0 22 
		
	
	Question Number 217588: how many non-commissioned officers have taken the (a) junior management and leadership course, (b) intermediate management and leadership course and (c) advanced management and leadership course at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The following table gives the number of non-commissioned officers who have taken courses at RAF Halton in the categories requested, since 1998.
	
		
			  Course  Financial year  Number of officers 
			  Junior management and leadership course (Junior—on promotion to corporal)   
			   1998-99  1,179 
			   1999-2000  1,111 
			   2000-01  1,362 
			   2001-02  1,496 
			   2002-03  1,474 
			  2003-04 1,565 
			  2004-05 2,035 
			  2005-06 1,201 
			  2006-07 1,210 
			  2006-07 1,210 
			  2007-08 1,182 
			
			  Intermediate management and leadership course (Intermediate—on promotion to sergeant)   
			   1998-99  971 
			   1999-2000  802 
			   2000-01  888 
			   2001-02  898 
			   2002-03  515 
			  2003-04 974 
			  2004-05 1,521 
			  2005-06 903 
			  2006-07 812 
			  2007-08 875 
			
			  Advanced management and leadership course (Advanced—on promotion to flight sergeant)   
			   1998-99( 1)  — 
			   1999-2000  121 
			   2000-01  239 
			   2001-02  237 
			   2002-03  251 
			  2003-04 273 
			  2004-05 475 
			  2005-06 279 
			  2006-07 256 
			  2007-08 253 
			 (1) Course did not exist. 
		
	
	I am placing a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

RAF Halton

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces officers have received initial specialist officer training for  (a) caterers and  (b) administrators at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.

Bob Ainsworth: The following table gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received initial specialist officer training at RAF Halton in the categories requested. Information is available only from financial year 2003-04.
	
		
			   Officer specialisation 
			  Financial year  Catering  Administration 
			 2003-04 8 75 
			 2004-05 3 46 
			 2005-06 6 19 
			 2006-07 0 19 
			 2007-08 0 22 
		
	
	 Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to David Lidington:
	I answered a number of Parliamentary Questions you asked about training at RAF Halton on 14 July 2008 (Official Report, column 176W), 15 July 2008 (Official Report, column 312-3W) and 16 July 2008 (Official Report, column 450-1W). At that time information was not available prior to 2003-04 due to technical problems with a computer database. These technical problems have now been resolved and I am able to provide data for some of the missing years.
	For ease I have listed below each question and answer with the additional information in italics.
	Question Number 217590: how many armed forces personnel have received training from the Specialist Training School at RAF Halton for each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of courses delivered by the Specialist Training School (STS) at RAF Halton. I regret that data prior to Financial Year 2000-01 are not available.
	
		
			  Financial Year  Armed Forces Personnel 
			  2000-01  4,218 
			  2001-02  4,461 
			  2002-03  4,053 
			 2003-04 3,687 
			 2004-05 4,328 
			 2005-06 4,841 
			 2006-07 4,170 
			 2007-08 3,616 
		
	
	Question Number 217584: how many armed forces personnel have received basic trade training at RAF Halton for (a) supply roles, (b) catering and (c) administration roles in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received basic trade training for supply, catering and administration roles at RAF Halton since 1998.
	
		
			   Trade 
			  Financial Year  Catering  Administration  Supply 
			  1998-99  41  164  144 
			  1999-2000  57  122  243 
			  2000-01  71  56  166 
			  2001-02  128  125  170 
			  2002-03  193  147  217 
			 2003-04 201 120 159 
			 2004-05 188 65 134 
			 2005-06 51 — 50 
			 2006-07 61 — 40 
			 2007-08 44 — 45 
		
	
	Question Number 217583: how many armed forces personnel have received recruit training at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received recruit training at RAF Halton since 1998.
	
		
			  Financial Year  Recruit Training 
			  1998-99  3,342 
			  1999-2000  3,160 
			  2000-01  2,884 
			  2001-02  3,065 
			  2002-03  3,597 
			 2003-04 3,271 
			 2004-05 1,556 
			 2005-06 957 
			 2006-07 1,075 
			 2007-08 2,149 
			  Note: Training numbers for financial year 2007-08 includes figures for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 
		
	
	Question Number 217585: how many armed forces officers have received initial specialist officer training for (a) caterers and (b) administrators at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received initial specialist officer training at RAF Halton since 1998 in the categories requested.
	
		
			   Officer Specialisation 
			  Financial Year  Catering  Administration 
			  1998-99  4  91 
			  1999-2000  1  75 
			  2000-01  9  38 
			  2001-02  1  49 
			  2002-03  0  45 
			 2003-04 8 75 
			 2004-05 3 46 
			 2005-06 6 19 
			 2006-07 0 19 
			 2007-08 0 22 
		
	
	Question Number 217588: how many non-commissioned officers have taken the (a) junior management and leadership course, (b) intermediate management and leadership course and (c) advanced management and leadership course at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The following table gives the number of non-commissioned officers who have taken courses at RAF Halton in the categories requested, since 1998.
	
		
			  Course  Financial year  Number of officers 
			  Junior management and leadership course (Junior—on promotion to corporal)   
			   1998-99  1,179 
			   1999-2000  1,111 
			   2000-01  1,362 
			   2001-02  1,496 
			   2002-03  1,474 
			  2003-04 1,565 
			  2004-05 2,035 
			  2005-06 1,201 
			  2006-07 1,210 
			  2006-07 1,210 
			  2007-08 1,182 
			
			  Intermediate management and leadership course (Intermediate—on promotion to sergeant)   
			   1998-99  971 
			   1999-2000  802 
			   2000-01  888 
			   2001-02  898 
			   2002-03  515 
			  2003-04 974 
			  2004-05 1,521 
			  2005-06 903 
			  2006-07 812 
			  2007-08 875 
			
			  Advanced management and leadership course (Advanced—on promotion to flight sergeant)   
			   1998-99( 1)  — 
			   1999-2000  121 
			   2000-01  239 
			   2001-02  237 
			   2002-03  251 
			  2003-04 273 
			  2004-05 475 
			  2005-06 279 
			  2006-07 256 
			  2007-08 253 
			 (1) Course did not exist. 
		
	
	I am placing a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

RAF Halton

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many non-commissioned officers have taken the  (a) junior management and leadership course,  (b) intermediate management and leadership course and  (c) advanced management and leadership course at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.

Bob Ainsworth: The following table gives the number of non-commissioned officers who have taken courses at RAF Halton in the areas requested, from financial year 2003-04 to present.
	
		
			  Course  Financial year  Number of officers 
			  Junior management and leadership course (Junior - on promotion to corporal) 2003-04 1,565 
			  2004-05 2,035 
			  2005-06 1,201 
			  2006-07 1,210 
			  2007-08 1,182 
			  Intermediate management and leadership course (Intermediate—on promotion to sergeant) 2003-04 974 
			  2004-05 1,521 
			  2005-06 903 
			  2006-07 812 
			  2007-08 875 
			  Advanced management and leadership course (Advanced—on promotion to flight sergeant) 2003-04 273 
			  2004-05 475 
			  2005-06 279 
			  2006-07 256 
			  2007-08 253 
		
	
	 Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to David Lidington:
	I answered a number of Parliamentary Questions you asked about training at RAF Halton on 14 July 2008 (Official Report, column 176W), 15 July 2008 (Official Report, column 312-3W) and 16 July 2008 (Official Report, column 450-1W). At that time information was not available prior to 2003-04 due to technical problems with a computer database. These technical problems have now been resolved and I am able to provide data for some of the missing years.
	For ease I have listed below each question and answer with the additional information in bold.
	Question Number 217590: how many armed forces personnel have received training from the Specialist Training School at RAF Halton for each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of courses delivered by the Specialist Training School (STS) at RAF Halton. I regret that data prior to Financial Year 2000-01 are not available.
	
		
			  Financial year  Armed forces personnel 
			  2000-01  4,218 
			  2001-02  4,461 
			  2002-03  4,053 
			 2003-04 3,687 
			 2004-05 4,328 
			 2005-06 4,841 
			 2006-07 4,170 
			 2007-06 3,616 
		
	
	Question Number 217584: how many armed forces personnel have received basic trade training at RAF Halton for (a) supply roles, (b) catering and (c) administration roles in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received basic trade training for supply, catering and administration roles at RAF Halton since 1998.
	
		
			   Trade 
			  Financial y ear  Catering  Administration  Supply 
			  1998-99  41  164  144 
			  1999-2000  57  122  243 
			  2000-01  71  56  166 
			  2001-02  128  125  170 
			  2002-03  193  147  217 
			 2003-04 201 120 159 
			 2004-05 188 65 134 
			 2005-06 51 — 50 
			 2006-07 61 — 40 
			 2007-08 44 — 45 
		
	
	Question Number 217583: how many armed forces personnel have received recruit training at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received recruit training at RAF Halton since 1998.
	
		
			  Financial year  Recruit training 
			  1998-99  3,342 
			  1999-2000  3,160 
			  2000-01  2,884 
			  2001-02  3,065 
			  2002-03  3,597 
			 2003-04 3,271 
			 2004-05 1,556 
			 2005-06 957 
			 2006-07 1,075 
			 2007-08 2,149 
			  Note: Training numbers for financial year 2007-08 includes figures for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 
		
	
	Question Number 217585: how many armed forces officers have received initial specialist officer training for (a) caterers and (b) administrators at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received initial specialist officer training at RAF Halton since 1998 in the categories requested.
	
		
			   Officer specialisation 
			  Financial year  Catering  Administration 
			  1998-99  4  91 
			  1999-2000  1  75 
			  2000-01  9  38 
			  2001-02  1  49 
			  2002-03  0  45 
			 2003-04 8 75 
			 2004-05 3 46 
			 2005-06 6 19 
			 2006-07 0 19 
			 2007-08 0 22 
		
	
	Question Number 217588: how many non-commissioned officers have taken the (a) junior management and leadership course, (b) intermediate management and leadership course and (c) advanced management and leadership course at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The following table gives the number of non-commissioned officers who have taken courses at RAF Halton in the categories requested, since 1998.
	
		
			  Course  Financial year  Number of officers 
			  Junior management and leadership course (Junior—on promotion to corporal)   
			   1998-99  1,179 
			   1999-2000  1,111 
			   2000-01  1,362 
			   2001-02  1,496 
			   2002-03  1,474 
			  2003-04 1,565 
			  2004-05 2,035 
			  2005-06 1,201 
			  2006-07 1,210 
			  2006-07 1,210 
			  2007-08 1,182 
			
			  Intermediate management and leadership course (Intermediate—on promotion to sergeant)   
			   1998-99  971 
			   1999-2000  802 
			   2000-01  888 
			   2001-02  898 
			   2002-03  515 
			  2003-04 974 
			  2004-05 1,521 
			  2005-06 903 
			  2006-07 812 
			  2007-08 875 
			
			  Advanced management and leadership course (Advanced—on promotion to flight sergeant)   
			   1998-99( 1)  — 
			   1999-2000  121 
			   2000-01  239 
			   2001-02  237 
			   2002-03  251 
			  2003-04 273 
			  2004-05 475 
			  2005-06 279 
			  2006-07 256 
			  2007-08 253 
			 (1) Course did not exist. 
		
	
	I am placing a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

RAF Halton

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces personnel have received training from the Specialist Training School at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.

Bob Ainsworth: The following table gives the number of the courses delivered by the Specialist Training School (STS) at RAF Halton. Information is only available from financial year 2003-04.
	
		
			  Financial year  Armed forces personnel 
			 2003-04 3,687 
			 2004-05 4,328 
			 2005-06 4,841 
			 2006-07 4,170 
			 2007-08 3,616 
		
	
	The figures exclude the 'road shows' training delivered by STS staff away from RAF Halton, as no nominal rolls are taken at these events.
	 Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to David Lidington:
	I answered a number of Parliamentary Questions you asked about training at RAF Halton on 14 July 2008 (Official Report, column 176W), 15 July 2008 (Official Report, column 312-3W) and 16 July 2008 (Official Report, column 450-1W). At that time information was not available prior to 2003-04 due to technical problems with a computer database. These technical problems have now been resolved and I am able to provide data for some of the missing years.
	For ease I have listed below each question and answer with the additional information in bold.
	Question Number 217590 how many armed forces personnel have received training from the Specialist Training School at RAF Halton for each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of courses delivered by the Specialist Training School (STS) at RAF Halton. I regret that data prior to Financial Year 2000-01 are not available.
	
		
			  Financial year  Armed forces personnel 
			  2000-01  4,218 
			  2001-02  4,461 
			  2002-03  4,053 
			 2003-04 3,687 
			 2004-05 4,328 
			 2005-06 4,841 
			 2006-07 4,170 
			 2007-08 3,616 
		
	
	Question Number 217584: how many armed forces personnel have received basic trade training at RAF Halton for (a) supply roles, (b) catering and (c) administration roles in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received basic trade training for supply, catering and administration roles at RAF Halton since 1998.
	
		
			   Trade 
			  Financial year  Catering  Administration  Supply 
			  1998-99  41  1 64  144 
			  1999-2000  57  1 22  243 
			  2000-01  71  5 6  166 
			  2001-02  128  1 25  170 
			  2002-03  193  1 47  217 
			 2003-04 201 120 159 
			 2004-05 188 65 134 
			 2005-06 51 — 50 
			 2006-07 61 — 40 
			 2007-08 44 — 45 
		
	
	Question Number 217583: how many armed forces personnel have received recruit training at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received recruit training at RAF Halton since 1998.
	
		
			  Financial year  Recruit training 
			  1998-99  3,342 
			  1999-2000  3,160 
			  2000-01  2,884 
			  2001-02  3,065 
			  2002-03  3,597 
			 2003-04 3,271 
			 2004-05 1,556 
			 2005-06 957 
			 2006-07 1,075 
			 2007-08 2,149 
			  Note: Training numbers for financial year 2007-08 includes figures for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 
		
	
	Question Number 217585: how many armed forces officers have received initial specialist officer training for (a) caterers and (b) administrators at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The table below gives the number of armed forces personnel who have received initial specialist officer training at RAF Halton since 1998 in the categories requested.
	
		
			   Officer specialisation 
			  Financial year  Catering  Administration 
			  1998-99  4  91 
			  1999-2000  1  75 
			  2000-01  9  38 
			  2001-02  1  49 
			  2002-03  0  45 
			 2003-04 8 75 
			 2004-05 3 46 
			 2005-06 6 19 
			 2006-07 0 19 
			 2007-08 0 22 
		
	
	Question Number 217588: how many non-commissioned officers have taken the (a) junior management and leadership course, (b) intermediate management and leadership course and (c) advanced management and leadership course at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.
	The following table gives the number of non-commissioned officers who have taken courses at RAF Halton in the categories requested, since 1998.
	
		
			  Course  Financial year  Number of officers 
			  Junior management and leadership course (Junior—on promotion to corporal)   
			   1998-99  1,179 
			   1999-2000  1,111 
			   2000-01  1,362 
			   2001-02  1,496 
			   2002-03  1,474 
			  2003-04 1,565 
			  2004-05 2,035 
			  2005-06 1,201 
			  2006-07 1,210 
			  2006-07 1,210 
			  2007-08 1,182 
			
			  Intermediate management and leadership course (Intermediate—on promotion to sergeant)   
			   1998-99  971 
			   1999-2000  802 
			   2000-01  888 
			   2001-02  898 
			   2002-03  515 
			  2003-04 974 
			  2004-05 1,521 
			  2005-06 903 
			  2006-07 812 
			  2007-08 875 
			
			  Advanced management and leadership course (Advanced—on promotion to flight sergeant)   
			   1998-99( 1)  — 
			   1999-2000  121 
			   2000-01  239 
			   2001-02  237 
			   2002-03  251 
			  2003-04 273 
			  2004-05 475 
			  2005-06 279 
			  2006-07 256 
			  2007-08 253 
			 (1) Course did not exist. 
		
	
	I am placing a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

RAF Halton

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many  (a) Army,  (b) Royal Navy and  (c) RAF personnel have received training at RAF Halton in each year since 1998.

Bob Ainsworth: I will write to the hon. Member with the information requested and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
	 Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to Mr. Lidington:
	I undertook to write to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question on 15 July 2008, (Official Report, column 314W) about training at RAF Halton.
	This information relating to the number of Service Personnel who received any training at RAF Halton in each year since 2000 is set out below.
	Information prior to Financial Year 2000-01 is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			   Royal Navy  Army  RAF  Tri-service 
			 2000-01 139 847 10,918 — 
			 2001-02 100 657 10,818 — 
			 2002-03 94 744 10,848 — 
			 2003-04 101 749 10,893 — 
			 2004-05 292 1,437 10,970 — 
			 2005-06 232 1,173 7,990 — 
			 2006-07 184 813 5,934 1,994 
			 2007-08 151 863 6,813 2,604 
			  Notes: The downturn in RAF numbers receiving training from 2004-05 onwards was due to drawdown measures taken by the RAF to reach its reduced target strength of 41,000 and was part of the Government's spending review. For some training courses it has not been possible to differentiate between the actual numbers attending for each service; in this case the total number appears as tri-service. 
		
	
	In addition to the data supplied above, Defence Dental Services (DDS) training at RAF Halton is shown separately in the table below. Data for DDS prior to 2003 are not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			   Royal Navy  Army  RAF 
			 2003-04 21 77 21 
			 2004-05 32 98 65 
			 2005-06 24 79 28 
			 2006-07 32 76 27 
			 2007-08 30 95 28 
		
	
	I am placing a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Taliban

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of members of the Taliban who were  (a) killed and  (b) captured in each of the last 24 months.

Des Browne: Regarding the number of Taliban killed in Afghanistan, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave on 6 May 2008,  Official Report, column 832W, to the hon. Member for Romford (Andrew Rosindell).
	As regards detention, I refer the hon. Member to my answer on 9 June 2008,  Official Report, column 66W, to the hon. Member for Chichester (Mr. Tyrie).
	The Ministry of Defence is undertaking a review of its detention records and I will write to the hon. Member when the review has been completed.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

10 Downing Street: Utilities

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much was spent on  (a) heating,  (b) electricity and  (c) water bills for (i) No. 10 Downing Street and (ii) Chequers in each of the last five years.

Phil Hope: The information requested for No. 10 Downing street is not held centrally and to obtain it would incur disproportionate costs.
	Chequers was established under the Chequers Estate Acts 1917 and 1958 and is administered by independent trustees.

Charities: Closures

Maria Miller: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many charities closed down in each year since 1997.

Phil Hope: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Charity Commission. I have asked the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission to reply.
	 Letter from Andrew Hind, dated 8 September 2008:
	As Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, it falls to me to answer your question (223270) regarding how many charities have closed down, in each year, since 1997.
	I attach below a table which sets out the number of charities added and removed from the register, in each year, since 1997. Charities are usually removed from the register because they have either ceased to operate or merged with other charities.
	The table below does not, necessarily, represent all charities which have closed down but only those who, by law, were required to register with the Commission. The threshold for registration was an annual income of £1,000 until April of this year when that threshold was raised to £5,000.
	
		
			   Registrations  Removals 
			 1997 9,310 6,671 
			 1998 6,373 4,400 
			 1999 5,840 4,358 
			 2000 5,669 9,987 
			 2001 5,926 5,757 
			 2002 5,490 4,621 
			 2003 6,521 4,787 
			 2004 6,609 5,630 
			 2005 5,451 5,084 
			 2006 4,949 4,096 
			 2007 4,973 4,920

Charities: Finance

Maria Miller: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what estimate he has made of the funding received by all charities from the Government in each year since 1997.

Phil Hope: Both central and local government spend significant sums of money on charities and other third sector organisations every year. The following amounts were received by the sector.
	
		
			   Amounts received by sector (£ million) 
			 1997-98 5,550 
			 1998-99 6,080 
			 1999-2000 6,620 
			 2000-01 8,096 
			 2001-02 8,504 
			 2002-03 8,835 
			 2003-04 9,165 
			 2004-05 9,541 
			 2005-06 11,050

Departmental Pay

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much was claimed in reimbursable expenses by press officers in his Department in each of the last three financial years.

Phil Hope: Information on how much the Cabinet Office has spent on reimbursable expenses by press officers in each of the last three financial years is not separately recorded on the Department's accounting system and is therefore not available.

Departmental Postal Services

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps the  (a) Cabinet Office and  (b) Prime Minister's Office have taken to monitor the cost of its mail services in the last 12 months.

Phil Hope: The Prime Minister's Office forms an integral part of the Cabinet Office estate. Mail services are predominantly provided by the Cabinet Office's facilities management providers who decide the most economical method of sending mail externally, unless instructed by the customer to use a specific service such as recorded or special delivery.

Departmental Property

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which organisations have received  (a) free and  (b) discounted room hire from (i) his Department and (ii) its agencies in each of the last five years; and what the commercial value of the discount was in each case.

Phil Hope: This information is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Transport

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many Ministerial  (a) cars and  (b) bicycles there are; and at what cost they were provided in each of the last three years in each category, broken down by department.

Phil Hope: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Mr. MacNeil) on 30 June 2008,  Official Report, column 576-78W and to the information published by the Secretary of State for Transport on 22 July 2008,  Official Report, columns 116-18WS.

Population

James Clappison: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the Office for National Statistics' (ONS) most recent projections of population densities in  (a) the United Kingdom,  (b) England,  (c) Scotland,  (d) Wales and  (e) Northern Ireland in (i) 2031, (ii) 2056 and (iii) the most distant date for which figures are available are; what population density in each such area is in 2008; and what recent comparison the ONS has made of population density in the UK and other EU member states.

Phil Hope: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 10 September 2008:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your question asking what the most recent projections of population densities in (a) the UK, (b) England, (c) Scotland, (d) Wales and (e) Northern Ireland are for (i) 2031, (ii) 2056 and (iii) the most distant date for which figures are available; what population density in each such area is in 2008; and what recent comparison the ONS has made of population density in the UK and other member states (223149).
	Population densities for the UK and constituent countries for 2008 are provided in table A. The population densities for the other years requested have not been updated since my previous responses to PQs 169303 (3 December 2007), 177466 (18 February 2008), 205787 (19 May 2008) and 207695 (2 June 2008).
	
		
			  Table A: Projected population density of the UK and constituent countries, 2008 
			   Persons/sq km 
			   2008 
			 United Kingdom 253 
			 England 395 
			 Wales 144 
			 Scotland 66 
			 Northern Ireland 131 
			  Source: 2006-based national projections, ONS 
		
	
	There has been no recent update of the population densities of the EU member states. Therefore the most recent such figures are as calculated by the UN and provided in my reply to the PQ dated 3 December 2007 mentioned above (169303).
	As previously advised in my replies to the earlier PQs from you, the underlying assumptions for the projections are demographic trend based and should not be seen as predictions.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Africa: Conflict Prevention

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the cost is of programmes operated under the Africa and Global Conflict Prevention Pool in 2008-09; what the programmes are and which countries they operate in; and how many of his Department's staff are working on the Africa and Global Conflict Prevention Pool.

Gareth Thomas: The Africa and Global Conflict Prevention Pools merged in April 2008. The combined Conflict Prevention Pool (CPP) has a budget of £112 million for 2008-09. There are eight programmes aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of violent conflict around the world. Six regional programmes cover 49 countries in Africa (£62.5 million), South Asia (£8.4 million), the Americas (£1.75 million), the Balkans (£7.85 million), the Middle East and North Africa (£4.9 million) and Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (£4.5 million). There are also two thematic programmes on security and small arms control (£9.5 million) and building the capacity of the international system to respond to conflict (£7.1 million).
	The CPP is controlled jointly by the Department for International Development (DFID), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Each Department contributes staff, although most individuals spend only a small fraction of their time on pool business. The total number of UK-based and locally engaged staff who spend any proportion of their time working on CPP is 455, of which only 23 work full time as conflict advisers, programme managers and the secretariat. Staff numbers by Department are 96 for DFID, 178 for FCO, and 181 for MOD.

Africa: Conflict Prevention

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much funding his Department has allocated to the Africa Conflict Prevention Pool in 2007-08; and what programmes that funding will support.

Gillian Merron: In 2007-08 £64.5 million was allocated to the Africa Conflict Prevention Pool (ACPP). The ACPP overall approach to conflict prevention in Africa is focused on three broad objectives:
	To support the building of African conflict management capacity.
	To assist with conflict prevention, management and post-conflict reconstruction in a number of priority sub-regions and country conflicts.
	To support pan-African initiatives for security sector reform, small arms control and to address the economic and financial causes of conflict.
	The following table shows a breakdown of sector of activities supported in 2007-08 and how much of the budget was spent on each:
	
		
			  Sector of activity  Percentage of Spend 
			 Reform of the Security Sector, including reform of the army, police and justice sector 37 
			 Peace Support Operations Training for African troop contributing countries participating in peacekeeping operations 22 
			 Peace Building—including support to grassroots peace initiatives, conflict prevention, and support to civil society 22 
			 Disarmament Demobilisation and Reintegration of ex-combatants 12 
			 Control and disposal of Small Arms and Light Weapons 3 
			 Support to Peace Negotiations 2 
			 Peace media: radio, television and print, outreach, awareness raising 1 
			 Development of the African Union's Africa Peace Support Architecture 1 
			 Conflict Analysis <1 
		
	
	Ninety four projects were implemented by ACPP in 2007-08. Detailed information will be available in the forthcoming annual report which will be published in August 2008. Highlights from ACPP work in 2007/8 include:
	Supporting Kofi Annan to lead African mediation efforts to end the post-election violence in Kenya following the disputed presidential elections of December 2007.
	Training some 12,000 African peacekeepers since 2004-05.
	Enabling the demobilisation of almost 300,000 combatants in the past five years in seven Central African countries(1) through support to the World Bank led Multi-country Demobilisation and Reintegration Programme.
	Assisting the peace processes in Northern Uganda, Eastern DRC and Burundi which have helped lead to significant reduction in conflict in the region.
	Fighting against sexual violence by working with the Rwandan armed forces to provide channels for reporting and acting on incidents.
	Ensuring that rural voters had access to independent information on electoral choices in the March 2008 parliamentary and presidential elections in Zimbabwe.
	Supporting the South African National Defence Force to open a peace mission training centre, providing a facility for both civilian and military personnel deploying on peace support missions.
	Providing professional advice to the Sudan People's Liberation Army to enable transformation from a guerrilla army into a professional, disciplined armed force operating under democratic civil control.
	Successfully mounting a highly visible 'Red Band' campaign against electoral violence around elections in Nigeria in April 2007.
	Helping to ensure a safe and peaceful electoral process in Sierra Leone in 2007 by supporting the armed forces in remaining apolitical throughout the election process.
	(1 )Angola, Burundi, CAR, DRC, Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda

Burma: Politics and Government

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what response his Department has made to the humanitarian situation in Chin state, western Burma; what recent reports he has received on the  (a) number of villages facing food shortages and  (b) the number and proportion of the population of Chin state in need of food aid; and if he will make a statement.

Shahid Malik: The Department for International Development (DFID) is contributing £4 million over four years to the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Initiative, which is meeting needs across Burma, including in Chin State. Other projects underway in the State to address food security and rural livelihoods include a World Food Programme (WFP) food-for-work programme, which has been expanded in response to the rat infestation, and EC-funded NGO agriculture projects to work with communities to improve food security.
	DFID has also kept in close touch with UNDP and WFP, as well as with non- governmental organisations including the Chin Human Rights Organisation and the Women's League of Chinland, about food shortages in Chin State brought about by this year's rat infestation. In July, a staff member from DFID's office in New Delhi visited Mizoram State, met Chin groups and other non-governmental organisations and collected information on needs in Chin State. WFP, UNDP and international and national NGOs working in the State are now urgently developing a response plan to provide affected communities with emergency rice supplies and agricultural inputs. DFID is ready to support such a plan when the details are finalised.
	The remoteness of many of the affected areas makes it difficult to make an accurate estimate of the number of villages and people suffering food shortages because of the rat infestation. The Chin Human Rights Organisation has estimated that as many as 200 villages and 100,000 people (20 per cent. of the State's population) have been seriously affected by the crisis. On the basis of field assessments (including on foot to areas along the Indian border) in Paletwa, Matubi and Tanhtlang townships, UNDP has identified 80 villages housing around 27,500 people (6 per cent. of the total population of the State) that have been severely or partially affected by the rodent infestation. There is a risk that rodent infestation will spread further.

Children: Employment

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions he has had with the United Nations in relation to child labour and children working in  (a) heavy industry,  (b) aluminium factories,  (c) mining and  (d) textile and clothing manufacturing.

Shahid Malik: The Secretary of State has not had direct discussions with the United Nations on the subject of child labour. The Department for International Development (DFID) relies on, and provides support to, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) within the UN system to help countries implement core labour standards that include the elimination of child labour. DFID is also working with the ILO and civil society organisations to promote efforts to remove children from all hazardous labour. DFID has a 20 million partnership framework for 2006-2009 with the ILO.
	DFID has no direct involvement with issues of child labour in heavy industries  (a) or aluminium factories  (b). With regard to mining  (c), DFID supports and currently chairs the Communities and Small scale Mining (CASM) initiative. This is a network that includes mining communities and artisanal miners themselves as well as international experts. The network is based in the World Bank HQ in Washington DC and is active in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and South and Central America. As one of the four central themes of its work, Communities and Small-scale Mining (CASM) includes a focus on children working in dangerous and hazardous conditions in small-scale mining. CASM fully recognizes the extent and nature of child labour and is committed to its elimination from the mining industry.
	In textile and clothing manufacturing (d), DFID is supporting the Multi Fibre Arrangement Forum which brings together private sector (multi-national corporations and domestic industries) trade unions and national governments to support developing countries to adapt and benefit from changes in global trading regimes, developing productivity and responsible competitiveness, sustaining and promoting decent work, which includes not using child labour.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Overseas Aid

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what  (a) type and  (b) level of support is being given to the Democratic Republic of Congo by his Department to support the  (a) humanitarian action plan,  (b) the 2007 International Committee of the Red Cross national appeal and  (c) non-governmental organisation programmes in 2008-09; and if he will make a statement.

Gillian Merron: The Department for International Development (DFID) is one of the largest humanitarian donors to the Democratic Republic of Congo with over 37.5 million provided in support of the 2007 Humanitarian Action Plan (approximately 10 per cent. of the 361 million ($686 million) Plan). DFID provided 30 million of this funding through the Humanitarian Pooled Fund, managed by the United Nations (UN), which funds priority humanitarian interventions by UN agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). In 2007, approximately 50 per cent. of the Pooled Fund was channelled directly or indirectly through NGOs. Our remaining funding under the Humanitarian Action Plan (7.5 million) was provided as direct grants of 2 million to the 2007 International Committee of the Red Cross appeal and 5.5 million to NGOs.
	In 2007, DFID provided 13.7 million of support through grants to NGO programmes working in non-humanitarian sectors in DRC. In total DFID provided 19.2 million of direct grants to NGOs in 2007.
	Summary:
	
		
			   Type  Level of funding (2007) ( million) 
			 Humanitarian Action Plan (HAP) Contribution to UN Pooled Fund 30 
			  Direct grants to NGOs 5.5 
			  Direct grant to ICRC 2 
			 DFID funding to NGOs working in non-humanitarian sectors Direct grants for governance, education, health, HIV/AIDS and peace building 13.7 
			 (1 )of which 50 per cent. went directly or indirectly to NGOs

Departmental Buildings

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on which buildings occupied by his Department's agencies and non-departmental public bodies the lease will be due for renewal in the next four years.

Douglas Alexander: None.

Departmental Expert Groups

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what expert groups his Department set up in each year since 1999.

Shahid Malik: Details of formal, standing bodies set up by Government to provide independent, expert advice to Departments and Ministers are published annually by the Cabinet Office. These bodies, known as advisory non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs), are listed in the annual Public Bodies publication. Public Bodies also contains some details on short-term advisory groups and task forces. Copies of Public Bodies dating back to 1999 can be viewed and downloaded from:
	http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/public/bodies.asp
	Copies are also available in the Library for the reference of Members.

Departmental Overtime

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many hours of overtime were worked by staff in each pay grade in his Department in each of the last 12 months.

Gillian Merron: The number of hours of overtime worked by the Department for International Development (DFID) staff in each pay grade in each of the last 12 months for which information is available is detailed in the following table.
	
		
			   2007 
			  Grade  July  August  September  October  November  December 
			 A1 31.66 69.66 57.34 20.98 154.38 40.25 
			 A2 115.16 176 299.59 281.28 415.97 373.71 
			 A2 (L) 528.91 153.5 112.83 261.58 219.85 245.59 
			 B1 (d) 96.5 2.5 0 110.75 14.5 0 
			 B1 380.76 134.75 257.11 279.68 238.4 244.42 
			 B2 323.84 138.75 428.61 481.53 573.4 173.27 
			 C1 116.84 146.21 409.52 311.25 161.91 126.91 
			 C2 46 0 17 52 45.5 8 
			 Total 1,639.67 821.55 1,582 1,799.05 1,809.41 1,188.15 
		
	
	
		
			   2008 
			  Grade  January  February  March  April  May  June 
			 A1 13.5 53.17 39.83 27.05 25.5 28.71 
			 A2 124.42 95.75 284.34 108 316.17 122.42 
			 A2 (L) 303.83 261.59 367.47 359.33 139.21 45.08 
			 B1 (d) 125 51.92 49.9 28.71 51.42 4.5 
			 B1 154.41 241.93 636.49 420.17 318.97 325.59 
			 B2 442.44 425.39 677.27 291.48 458.55 428.89 
			 C1 186.09 215.43 533.94 180.24 367.03 81.17 
			 C2 43.5 34.58 142.5 36 144.75 55.75 
			 Total 1,393.19 1,379.76 2,731.74 1,450.98 1,821.6 1,087.61

Departmental Paper

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of paper used  (a) for photocopying and  (b) in printed publications by his Department was from recycled sources in each of the last two years.

Gillian Merron: All paper used for photocopying in the last two years has 100 per cent. recycled content.
	The Department for International Development (DFID) does not hold the data regarding paper for printed publications centrally, and due to disproportionate cost we cannot supply this information. However, DFID routinely requires that the designers and printers under contract to produce DFID publications source paper that has a minimum of 75 per cent. recycled content.

Departmental Procurement

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his Department's policy is on requesting discounts from its suppliers in return for swift payment of invoices.

Shahid Malik: The Department for International Development (DFID) does not request discounts from suppliers in return for swift payment of invoices. We do however use other forms of payment mechanism to encourage effective delivery, such as milestone payments for clearly defined deliverables.
	In line with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act and Office of Government Commerce (OGC) recommendations, DFID's standard terms and conditions reflect the requirement to pay suppliers within 30 calendar days. This is on the basis that work has been carried out to our satisfaction within the terms of the contract. We are also bound by HM Treasury (HMT) accounting rules in relation to advance payments. This option requires HMT approval and would only apply in exceptional circumstances where value for money could be demonstrated.

Departmental Public Participation

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what  (a) listening exercises and  (b) public forums his Department has held in each of the last two years; what the (i) purpose and (ii) cost was in each case; and who the private contractor was and how much it was paid in each case.

Gillian Merron: The information requested is not held centrally and would incur disproportionate costs to obtain.

Departmental Public Participation

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what  (a) reviews and  (b) public consultations have been initiated by his Department since 27 June 2007.

Gillian Merron: Since 27 June 2007 the Department for International Development (DFID) has launched 19 formal public consultations on its public website in order to inform the Department's policy development.
	The consultations launched were:
	UK's Development Plan for Bangladesh
	DFID Yemen Country Plan
	Working in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): New UK and Denmark Performance and Results Framework 2008-11
	Working in partnership with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): New Institutional Strategy (IS)UK and Denmark, 2008-09 to 2010-11
	Working in partnership with the joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). New Institutional Strategy, 2008-11
	Uganda's medium term strategic direction
	DFID Nigeria Country Assistance Plan
	Working in partnership with World Health Organisation (WHO)New Institutional Strategy (2008-13)
	DFID Afghanistan Country Plan
	DFID Zambia Country Assistance Plan
	New Global Access to Medicines Research Network (ATM RN)
	DFID Somalia country Plan
	DFID Kenya Country Plan
	Working with the European Union: Europe for Development
	DFID Rwanda Country Plan
	DFID Indonesia Country Assistance Plan (2008-11)
	Environmental Stability: UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
	DFID Mozambique Country Assistance Plan
	Partnership Programme ArrangementsThe Way Ahead

Departmental Retirement

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the standard retirement age in his Department is; and how many people worked beyond the standard retirement age in each of the last five years.

Gillian Merron: The Department for International Development (DFID) continues to observe the national default retirement age of 65.
	Since the implementation of the Employment Equality (age) Regulations in October 2006, six requests to work beyond the default retirement age have been approved. Line managers are advised by the human resources department of staff approaching 65 years of age in time to implement the right to request procedure. To date no requests have been denied.
	The number of staff working beyond the retirement age in each of the last five years is shown in the following table:
	
		
			   Number of staff working beyond retirement age 
			 2003 5 
			 2004 4 
			 2005 3 
			 2006 4 
			 2007 5 
		
	
	Records are not held centrally of staff appointed in country in our overseas offices who work beyond the age of 65 as they are subject to local rather than UK law on retirement age.
	The impact of the age regulations continue to be monitored, particularly the right to request working beyond the age of 65, in preparation for the review planned for 2011.

Departmental Training

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department spent on training courses for staff in the last  (a) 12 months and  (b) five years.

Shahid Malik: It is not possible, without incurring disproportionate costs, to provide the amount spent on training courses by the Department for International Development (DFID) in the last 12 months, and previous five years.
	Sub-departments and overseas offices within DFID are responsible for arranging and financing staff training. Information on the amount spent on training courses is not held centrally.

Developing Countries: Agriculture

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the objectives are of the programme being jointly funded by his Department and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council on sustainable agriculture research for international development; how much his Department will contribute to this programme in 2008-09; and what percentage of that expenditure will be on administration.

Gareth Thomas: The objective of the Programme on Sustainable Agriculture Research for International Development (SARID) is to produce and apply new scientific knowledge and understanding to increase agricultural productivity and food security, thus improving the lives of poor people in Africa and Asia. SARID was developed through a strategic partnership between the Department for International Development (DFID) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). DFID is currently contributing 5 million and BBSRC 2.5 million over five years under SARID to fund 12 research grants in crop science. These grants were announced in January 2008 and the predicted total spend for 2008-09 is 1,706,390. The administration of the Programme is handled by BBSRC but funded from the DFID contribution. Administrative costs are currently estimated to be 108,898 for the whole five year Programme, which is 1.45 per cent., of the total budget or 2.18 per cent., of the DFID contribution.

Developing Countries: Climate Change

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what budget his Department has allocated for each of the two programmes being designed in co-operation with Canada's International Development Research Centre to help with climate change in poor countries in Asia and Latin America.

Gareth Thomas: The Department for International Development (DFID) is funding a design phase for the Climate Change Adaptation programme in Asia and Latin America. The planned level of contribution to the implementation phase of this programme is up to 50 million.

Developing Countries: Economic Growth

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate his Department has made of economic growth in  (a) Iraq,  (b) Afghanistan,  (c) the Democratic Republic of Congo and  (d) Mozambique in (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11.

Gillian Merron: The information is as follows:
	 Mozambique
	It is estimated that Mozambique will experience 7 per cent. real gross domestic product (GDP) growth per annum (2008-10).
	 Afghanistan
	The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections estimate that real GDP growth will be 9 per cent. in 2009-10 and 8 per cent. in 2010-11. This reflects a gradual decline in investment as a percentage of GDP.
	 Iraq
	The IMF forecasts real GDP growth in Iraq of 7.5 per cent. in 2009, 10.4 per cent. in 2010, and 9.6 per cent. in 2011. Most of this growth will come from increased oil exports and continued high oil prices. Non-oil growth is expected to have a modest increase, with economic activity picking-up as a result of the reduction in violence.
	 The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
	In September 2007, the IMF estimated that the percentage increase of gross domestic product for the Democratic Republic of Congo would be 8.3 per cent. in 2009, 8.3 per cent. in 2010 and 8.4 per cent. for 2011.

Developing Countries: Food

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment his Department has made of progress in international efforts to insulate  (a) Afghanistan,  (b) Ghana,  (c) the Gambia and  (d) Eritrea from global food and energy price rises; and if he will make a statement.

Gillian Merron: The UK Government remain deeply concerned about the impact of higher food and energy prices on developing countries including Afghanistan, Ghana, the Gambia and Eritrea. The UK has been working at international level to ensure that effective and coordinated mechanisms are in place to support countries suffering from the impact of the global food and energy price rises.
	The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is helping with balance-of-payments support. The United Nations (UN) High Level Taskforce on the Global Food Crisis has agreed a Comprehensive Framework for Action (CFA). The World Food Programme (WFP) extraordinary emergency appeal is fully funded. At the G8 meeting a $10 billion package for improved food security and agriculture output was agreed.
	In Afghanistan the international community is working with the Government to combat the negative welfare impacts of these price increases. The first humanitarian appeal of 38 million was fully met. Support to food production through voucher schemes, rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure, and the setting up of a safety nets programme are in process. A DFID Afghanistan humanitarian assessment is under way and will report by the end of August.
	In Ghana, the World Food Programme (WFP) is leading a Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment which will measure the level of food and livelihoods security, and assess changes in nutrition.
	At the request of the Gambian Government, an inter-agency team have conducted an assessment mission and are preparing a framework for international support to reduce the adverse effects of soaring food prices.
	Eritrea has received just under 500,000 to finance agricultural provisions under the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). The Government of Eritrea do not permit relief agencies to distribute food aid. DFID experts will visit Eritrea this month to look at the humanitarian situation.

Fish Supplies

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much fish was procured by his Department and at what cost in each of the last five years, broken down by species; and what amount and value of such fish met the Marine Stewardship Council standard in each such year, broken down by species.

Shahid Malik: It is not possible to answer this question without incurring disproportionate costs.

Georgia: Humanitarian Aid

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance his Department has provided to Georgia in each of the last three years; what assistance has been provided to Georgia to alleviate the humanitarian situation following its recent conflict with Russia; and if he will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: The UK Government Georgia bilateral programme expenditure over the last three years was: 2.4 million in 2005-06; 3.8 million in 2006-07; and 2.4 million in 2007-08. The programme allocation for 2008-09 is 3 million. Programme activities are focused on health, regional development, good governance and supporting the Government's European Union integration plans. Georgia also receives Department for International Development (DFID) support via the tri-departmental (FCO, MOD and DFID) Conflict Prevention Pool (CPP) for Russia and the former states of the Soviet Union. The total CPP allocation for 2008-09 is 4.4 million.
	In response to the recent conflict, DFID has committed 2 million to humanitarian agencies providing assistance to affected civilians in Georgia and the Russian Federation (RF). Of this, 1 million was allocated to the International Committee of the Red Cross for their operations in Georgia and North Ossetia in the RF. 550,000 has been allocated to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Our support to UNHCR aims to ensure protection needs among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Georgia are met. Further allocations have been made to the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA250,000) and to the Hazardous Areas Life-Support Organisation (HALO200,000). Our support to OCHA will help to improve co-ordination of activities among the humanitarian community. Our assistance to HALO will help facilitate the safe return of IDPs through the removal of unexploded ordnance from towns and rural communities affected by conflict.

Global Science and Innovation Forum

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what programmes his Department is taking part in through the Global Science and Innovation Forum (GSIF); what research his Department has undertaken for GSIF initiatives; and what percentage of his Department's budget for 2008-09 is allocated to GSIF projects.

Gareth Thomas: The Global Science and Innovation Forum (GSIF), chaired by the UK Government chief scientific adviser, is a vehicle for cross-government exchanges of information and ideas to improve coordination of the UK effort in international science and innovation. As such it does not run any programmes or projects. The Department for International Development is represented at GSIF by our chief scientific adviser.

Iran: Humanitarian Aid

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  what funding his Department has made available to  (a) the UN and  (b) the EU to assist Iran in dealing with Afghani refugees;
	(2)  what assistance his Department has given to Iran to deal with refugees from Afghanistan.

Douglas Alexander: The Department for International Development (DFID) does not provide bilateral development assistance to Iran. Support to Afghan refugees in Iran is channelled through multilateral organisations, namely the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the European Commission (EC). This approach allows for greater co-ordination of donor funding. The regional mandate of these organisations means they are best placed to prioritise, monitor and evaluate donor support not just to refugees in Iran, but also those in Pakistan and India.
	UNHCR is currently prioritising five 'protracted refugee situations' around the globe, including Afghan refugees in Iran. In 2007, DFID gave 38 million in core funding to UNHCR of which approximately 3 million will go towards the protection and support of Afghan refugees in the region. The 2008-09 contribution is yet to be finalised.
	Contributions to the EC development budget are disbursed at a national rather than departmental level. EC assistance to Afghan refugees for 2008 totals 20 million, of which the UK contributes 12.5 per cent. (2.5 million). This helps provide health, education and shelter to refugees across the region, including in Iran.

Kenya: Malaria

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment his Department has made of the factors contributing to a reduction in malarial mortality and morbidity in Kenya; and if he will make a statement.

Gillian Merron: Tackling malaria is a priority for both the Government of Kenya and its development partners. There is evidence that the scaling-up of new and more effective malaria control interventions in Kenya is having a positive impact on health. Factors contributing to reduction in mortality and morbidity include:
	Implementation of the more effective Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) as first-line treatment for malaria;
	Better epidemic preparedness and response in epidemic prone areas e.g. a total of 860,000 households were protected through indoor residual spraying in 2007;
	Increased awareness and personal protection by the most vulnerable groups through use of bednets. A total of 13.5 million insecticide-treated bednets were distributed between 2002-06, targeted at pregnant women and children under five years old; and
	More health workers recruited to provide basic health care, including an additional 450 health workers for management of malaria.

Lost Working Days

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many working days have been lost due to industrial action by employees for which his Department is responsible in each year since 1997.

Gillian Merron: The information requested is as follows.
	
		
			   Days lost to industrial action 
			 1997 0 
			 1998 0 
			 1999 0 
			 2000 0 
			 2001 0 
			 2002 0 
			 2003 0 
			 2004 290 
			 2005 0 
			 2006 0 
			 2007 630

Overseas Aid

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what international lesson-learning networks on health and education in fragile states have been established with his Department's support; and how much funding he is providing for such networks in 2008-09.

Gillian Merron: The Department for International Development (DFID) has played a pivotal role in setting up the Health and Fragile States Network which is hosted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM); and the Education and Fragility Network which is part of the Inter-Agency Network on Education in Emergencies and is hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
	In 2008-09, DFID has provided 60,000 directly to the Health and Fragile States Network and 100,000 to the Inter-Agency Network on Education in Emergencies for a broad set of activities, a proportion of which will fund the Education and Fragility Network.

Overseas Aid

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his Department's objectives are for the outcome of the September Millennium Development Goals meeting in New York.

Gareth Thomas: The Department for International Development is focusing on three overall objectives, on which we are working closely with partners, for the UN High Level Event in September in order to help accelerate action on the Millennium Development Goals. These are:
	To build a common vision about what needs to be donescaling up successes and identifying and addressing gaps in current work;
	To harness efforts and mobilise not just governments but business, faith groups, NGOs, cities and professional groups and foundations to deliver the MDGs;
	To identify milestones to both measure international progress towards the MDGs and inspire greater action to achieve them.

Overseas Aid

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the objectives are of the programme being jointly funded by his Department, the UK Natural Environment Research Council and the UK Economic and Social Research Council on ecosystem services and poverty alleviation (ESPA); how much his Department will contribute to this programme in 2008-09; what percentage of this expenditure will be administration costs; and which developing countries have used the results of the ESPA research.

Gareth Thomas: The Department for International Development (DFID), the UK Natural Environment Research Council and the UK Economic and Social Research Council are funding the scoping and design of the Ecosystem Services and Poverty Alleviation programme (ESPA). The objectives of the programme are to develop and change local, national and regional policies in developing countries affecting ecosystem management in line with recommendations from research.
	DFID plans to contribute 500,000 this financial year towards this programme. Administrative costs will be determined by detailed design; it is estimated they will be 2-3 per cent. of the programme spend. The overall programme should be put to Ministers for their approval toward the end of 2008-09. Developing countries will be able to make use of the ESPA research once the programme is in operation.

Sub-Saharan Africa: Climate Change

Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much funding provided to countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to help combat climate change was in the form of  (a) loans and  (b) aid in each of the last three years.

Gareth Thomas: The UK Government is stepping up its assistance to tackle climate change, helping countries adapt and build resilience to its impacts. In 2007-8 the Department for International Development (DFID) provided, for example, 4.5 million to support research and capacity development in Africa for climate change adaptation and approximately 0.75 million to develop other programmes that directly help Africa to tackle climate change. Comprehensive information is not readily available for earlier years. Many other DFID investments will have an impact on Africa's ability to adapt to climate changefor example in improving food production and security and strengthening river basin management.
	None of the money that DFID provided as bilateral assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa over the last three years was in the form of loans. This included assistance to help combat climate change.
	DFID also provides assistance through multi-lateral institutions and global funds to tackle climate change in developing countries, including in Africa. This includes United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change funds, and the Global Environmental Facility. In addition, the new UK 800 million International Environmental Transformation Fund will help developing countries, including those in Africa, to respond to climate change. Part of the assistance provided by these institutions and funds will be in the form of loans.

UK Collaborative on Development Sciences

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what programmes his Department is taking part in through the UK Collaborative on Development Sciences (UK-CDS); and what percentage of his Department's budget is allocated to UK-CDS programmes in 2008-09.

Gareth Thomas: The Department for International Development (DFID) does not take part in programmes with the UK Collaborative on Development Science (UK-CDS). DFID has contributed 297,000, 27.5 per cent. of the UK-CDS total budget, towards the cost of its secretariat and activities over the three years from November 2007.

United Nations Millennium Development Goals Summit

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what topics are on the agenda for the United Nations Millennium Development Goals summit on 25 September; who will represent the Government at the summit; what goals the Government has set for this summit; by what criteria the outcomes of the summit will be judged by the Government; and if he will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: The UN Secretary General will issue a paper shortly for the UN High Level Event on the millennium development goals (MDGs). The overall aim of the meeting is to help galvanise international activity to get the MDGs back on track. The event will include round tables on Poverty and Hunger; Education and Health; and Environmental Sustainability along with a wide range of partnership events on key issues related to the MDGs.
	The Prime Minister plans to lead UK representation at the UN High Level Event, supported by myself and the Under-Secretary of State for International Development, my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas).
	The UK Government would like to see an action-oriented plan emerging from the High Level Event, with specific deliverables, particularly on education, malaria, health systems and food security. As part of this the UK Government would also like to see the pledging of new financial commitments, including from new donors.
	We will judge the outcomes of the UN High Level Event based on the UN Secretary General's letter of 17 July in which he stated the main objectives as reviewing progress and taking stock of the existing gaps at mid-point in the global effort to achieve the MDGs by 2015; help identify concrete actions needed to scale up effort; and help ensure the MDGs and international targets remain on track and momentum is maintained beyond 2008.

United Nations: Mediation

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support his Department has provided to the Mediation Support Unit in the UN in the last 12 months; and at what cost.

Gillian Merron: The UK Government have committed 620,000 over two years to the UN Mediation Support Unit from the Conflict Prevention Pool (CPP), of which 155,000 has been disbursed in the last 12 months. The CPP is funded and managed jointly by the Department for International Development (DFID), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Voluntary Work

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what volunteer programmes his Department operates to recruit 18 to 25-year-olds to go overseas; how much was spent on such programmes in 2007-08; how many volunteers were recruited in that year; which countries they served in; and what activities each programme involved.

Shahid Malik: The Department for International Development (DFID) volunteering programme specifically aimed at young adults aged 18 to 25, Platform2 was launched in February 2008. The costs incurred to the end of the financial year were 205,152.
	The first group of volunteers departed in May 2008. Over the course of the next three years the programme aims to send 2,500 young volunteers overseas. The first countries to receive volunteers are Ghana, South Africa, India and Peru but the scheme will broaden out to include more countries over its duration. Volunteers will be involved in community projects to improve the livelihoods of people in the host communities.
	The budget allocated to the programme is 10 million over three years. The scheme will also support efforts by the young volunteers to raise awareness of global poverty issues upon their return to the UK.

Zimbabwe: Overseas Aid

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the administrative costs of the Protracted Relief Programme in Zimbabwe have been; how many private sector contracts have been awarded under the programme; and at what cost.

Gillian Merron: Phase 1 (2004-08) of the Zimbabwe Protracted Relief Programme (PRP) was administered by a managing consultant at a cost of 1.7 million (1,731,548.10). This represented 4.8 per cent. of the total project expenditure of 36 million over a programme duration of just under four years. The administration costs are broken down into professional fees (1,485,905.69) and reimbursable expenses (245,642.56).
	In addition to the cost of the managing consultant, two annual reviews were carried out by independent consultants at a total cost of 51,565.03. The annual reviews and the managing consultant contracts were the only private sector contracts awarded under the programme. All other funds were channelled to non-governmental implementing partners for programme activities.

CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES

Academies: Lancaster

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families when he last met Lancashire County Council to discuss academies in Lancaster.

Jim Knight: My answer has not changedplease refer to PQ 220578 of 1 September 2008,  Official Report, column 1602W. I have not met personally with Lancashire county council to discuss their academy plans.

Children in Care: Clinical Trials

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families pursuant to the answer of 17 July 2008,  Official Report, column 559W, on clinical trials, what the certain conditions are which must be met for minors to be allowed to be entered into a trial prior to consent having been obtained from a person with parental responsibility or a legal representative.

Ben Bradshaw: I have been asked to reply.
	On 1 May 2008 the Government, following a public consultation, amended The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 ('the Clinical Trials Regulations') to provide an exception to the general requirement that informed consent must be obtained from a minor's (a person under 16 years) parents or legal representative prior to his/her participation in a trial. Informed consent would still be a requirement of participation in the trial; but its absence would not preclude initial entry into a trial.
	The specific conditions that apply in relation to a minor's participation in a clinical trial are set out in Part 4 of Schedule 1 of the Clinical Trials Regulations. Conditions 1 to 5 of the Clinical Trials Regulations outline requirements for obtaining informed consent prior to initial entry into a trial. Conditions 6-12 provide safeguards to ensure that the wishes of the minor are considered and there is an appropriate basis for the trial and its financial compensation. The amendments to the Clinical Trials Regulations, made in May 2008, provide an exception to the general requirement that conditions 1 to 5 are met before entry into a trial.
	This exception is subject to the following:  (a) treatment is being, or is about to be, provided for a subject who is a minor as a matter of urgency and, having regard to the nature of the clinical trial and of the particular circumstances of the case,  (b) it is necessary to take action for the purposes of the clinical trial as a matter of urgency; but  (c) it is not reasonably practicable to meet conditions (1) to (5) of the Clinical Trials Regulations and  (d) the conditions specified in  (a) to  (c) above are carried out in accordance with a procedure approved by an ethics committee with paediatric expertise or in the case of an ethics committee opinion appeal, by an appeal panel. The exception only applies until it is reasonably practicable to obtain informed consent from a person with parental responsibility or legal representative, at which time conditions (1) to (5) must be met.
	The exception is consistent with the position adopted by the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guideline on Good Clinical Practice.

Children in Care: Health

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps he is taking to ensure the national indicator set for local government reflects the health and well-being of looked-after children.

Beverley Hughes: Care Matters: Time for Change proposed a new indicator as part of the local government National Indicator Set focused on the emotional and behavioural health of looked after children to ensure that their mental health is reflected in local authority performance management arrangements. From April 2008 all local authorities in England have been required to provide information on the emotional and behavioural health of the children they look after. These data will be collected by local authorities using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and a summary figure for each child (the total difficulties score) will be submitted to the Department through the SSDA903 return. The first data return for the 2008-09 financial year will be collected from 1 April 2009.

Departmental Buildings

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what account his Department takes of the level of energy efficiency of buildings before entering into agreements to  (a) rent and  (b) purchase those buildings.

Kevin Brennan: When entering into leases for, or purchasing, buildings, the DCSF takes account of the environmental impact of its actions as far as possible.
	For new buildings, the minimum requirement is that they must be constructed to the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) excellent standard (2006). In addition, developers are encouraged to design their buildings to allow energy efficiency by:
	Minimising internal areas requiring mechanical ventilation
	Minimising direct solar gain, in order to avoid air conditioning,
	Maximising daylight factors
	Maximising the control and flexibility of the installations
	Achieving an air tightness test in accordance with CIBSE test methods
	Complying with the current requirements of the Building Regulations Part L2A 2006; and
	Promoting renewable energy and natural resources such as daylight and passive solar energy.
	For existing buildings, the criteria for the selection of a property for rent or purchase will include the potential to achieve the award of BREEAM very good rating on a cost effective basis.

Departmental Disciplinary Proceedings

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many staff in his Department have been  (a) dismissed and  (b) disciplined for their conduct since the Department was established.

Kevin Brennan: The Department was created in the machinery of government changes announced on 28 June 2007. Since then, two members of staff have been dismissed and 12 have been disciplined for their conduct.

Departmental Inquiries

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what independent inquiries have been commissioned by his Department in the last five years; what the  (a) purpose and  (b) cost was of each; and what steps were taken following each.

Kevin Brennan: The DCSF has been in existence since 28 June 2007, and since that time has commissioned two independent inquiries. Both of these are currently underway and it is not possible to fully cost these until they complete.
	 (1) The Lamb Inquiry: Special educational needs and parental confidence
	The Lamb Inquiry was established as part of the Government's response to the House of Commons Education and Skills Committee Report Special Educational Needs: Assessment and Funding. The Lamb Inquiry, under the chairmanship of Brian Lamb, the Chair of the Special Educational Consortium, will investigate a range of ways in which parental confidence in the SEN assessment process might be improved. The inquiry started its work in March 2008 and Brian Lamb will report in September 2009.
	 (2) The Sutherland InquiryInquiry into 2008 national curriculum test delivery
	The Sutherland Inquiry has been established because of problems that have arisen in the delivery of Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 national curriculum tests in 2008, leading to a delay in the release of results to schools. The inquiry will be led by Stewart Sutherland (Lord Sutherland of Houndwood), who will investigate what went wrong, the reasons for the problems experienced and what should be done to avoid a recurrence in future years. The inquiry was announced in July 2008 and Lord Sutherland will report to me and Ofqual in the Autumn of 2008.

Departmental Responsibilities

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families which projects his Department has commissioned from  (a) think tanks and  (b) charities in each of the last two years for which figures are available; what the aim of each project was; which think tank or charity was commissioned; and how much was paid.

Edward Balls: My Department's accounting records do not record information to this level of detail. To provide a response would be at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Secondment

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what procedures his Department uses to ensure equal opportunities in relation to staff secondments to the Department.

Kevin Brennan: The Department aims to ensure that its diversity policies enable equal opportunities for inward secondment by following the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code which is available at:
	http://www.civilservicecommissioners.org/web-resources/resources/71184faab07.pdf

Departmental Sick Leave

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the average duration of single periods of sick leave taken by staff in  (a) his Department and its predecessor and  (b) the non-departmental bodies for which it has responsibility who gave (i) stress and (ii) mental health and behavioural disorders as the reason for their absence was in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: The average duration of single periods of sick leave taken by staff in  (a) the Department is 27 days due to stress and 35 days due to mental and behavioural disorders. The Department was set up as part of the machinery of government changes on 28 June 2007, so the figures apply from 1 July to 31 March 2008 only (the latest information available). Different recording systems were used in the predecessor Departments, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) over the past 10 years, so it is not possible to provide direct comparisons.
	These figures do not include  (b) non-departmental public bodies as the information for them is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	The Department is committed to providing a safe working environment and has a range of measures in place to support managers and employees on health and well-being issues.

Departmental Sick Leave

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the average duration of single periods of sick leave taken by staff in  (a) his Department and its predecessor and  (b) the non-departmental bodies for which it has responsibility was in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: The average duration of single periods of sick leave taken by staff in  (a) the Department is 6.4 days. The Department was set up as part of the machinery of government changes on 28 June 2007, so the figures apply from 1 July to 31 March 2008 only (the latest information available). Different recording systems were used in the predecessor Departments, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) over the past 10 years, so it is not possible to provide direct comparisons.
	These figures do not include  (b) non-departmental public bodies as the information for them is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	The Department is committed to providing a safe working environment and has a range of measures in place to support managers and employees on health and well-being issues.

Departmental Sick Pay

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many staff in  (a) his Department and its predecessor and  (b) the non-departmental bodies for which it has responsibility have received sick pay for sick leave due to (i) stress and (ii) mental health and behavioural disorders in each of the last 10 years; what the average length of time was for which sick pay was paid in these cases; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: The Department was set up as part of the Machinery of Government (MoG) changes on 28 June 2007, so the figures apply from 1 July to 31 March 2008 (the latest information available). In the Department  (a) 72 staff were absent due to stress, representing 2.7 per cent., of all staff. 66 were absent due to other mental disorders, representing 2.4 per cent., of all staff at 31 March 2008.
	These figures do not include non-departmental public bodies  (c) as the information for them is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	The Department has no agencies.
	The Department is committed to providing a safe working environment and has a range of measures in place to support managers and employees on health and well-being issues.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what assessment he has made of the performance of Liberata in administration of the education maintenance allowance.

Jim Knight: The Learning and Skills Council have operational responsibility for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and have contracted with Liberata to carry out the helpline, assessment and payment function for EMA.
	There have been some unacceptable delays in notifying learners that they are eligible for EMA this year. My officials are receiving daily updates from the LSC and I am monitoring the situation very closely. My priority is to ensure that young people receive their EMA as soon as possible.
	The LSC have assured me that they are working very closely with Liberata to ensure that the backlog is cleared quickly. All eligible learners who apply within 28 days of the start of their course will get all the payments for which they are eligible, even if the processing of their application form is delayed.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many education maintenance allowance payments have not been made on time in 2008; and what the average length of delay in those payments has been.

Jim Knight: This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), who have operational responsibility for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and hold the information about applications, payments and expenditure made under the scheme. Mark Haysom, the LSC's Chief Executive, will write to the hon. Gentleman with the information requested and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library.

Education Maintenance Allowance: South Gloucestershire

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many applications for education maintenance allowances have been made by South Gloucestershire pupils for the 2008-09 academic year; how many such allowances  (a) have been paid and (b) are outstanding; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), who have operational responsibility for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and hold the information about applications, payments and expenditure made under the scheme. Mark Haysom, the LSC's Chief Executive, will write to the hon. Gentleman with the information requested and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library.

Education: Assessments

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of the money paid to the ETS to administer the marking of the national standard assessment tests has been repaid; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The total paid to ETS to administer the marking of the national standard assessment tests was 34,971,060.65, of which 19,500,000.00 has been returned. This represents 55.8 per cent. of the total money paid to ETS.
	In addition, the total value of amounts invoiced by ETS but unpaid and cancelled as part of the agreement is 3,400,000. The estimate of remaining contracted cycle 1 costs uninvoiced and cancelled as part of the agreement is approximately 1,200,000. This gives a total of cancelled outstanding and anticipated invoices of 4,600,000.

Exam Results

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  pursuant to the answer of 2 November 2005,  Official Report, columns 1207-12W, on science, what percentage of students who gained  (a) a GCSE,  (b) an A-level and  (c) an AS-level in (i) biology or human biology, (ii) chemistry and (iii) physics at each grade were educated in (A) the mainstream maintained sector and (B) the independent sector in each year since 1997;
	(2)  what percentage of students who gained  (a) a GCSE,  (b) an A-level and  (c) an AS-level in (i) French, (ii) German and (iii) Spanish at each grade were educated in (A) the mainstream maintained sector and (B) the independent sector in each year since 1997.

Jim Knight: Figures for the past three years are given as follows. To produce the figures for earlier years would go over the disproportionate cost threshold.
	
		
			  Percentages of GCSE science entries and achievements made by pupils in the mainstream maintained sector 
			  Percentage 
			   2005  2006  2007 
			   Entries  A-C  A-G  Entries  A-C  A-G  Entries  A-C  A-G 
			 Physics 68.1 66.5 68.1 70.3 68.7 70.3 72.1 70.6 72.0 
			 Chemistry 68.0 66.1 68.0 70.2 68.6 70.2 71.9 70.3 71.9 
			 Biological sciences 67.8 66.2 67.8 69.8 68.3 69.9 71.2 69.6 71.1 
			 French 88.0 80.9 87.9 85,9 79.4 858 84.8 78.8 84.7 
			 German 92.3 88.9 92.2 89.8 87.6 90.8 90.0 86.7 90.0 
			 Spanish 81.6 73.0 81.4 80.4 72.8 80.3 79.8 72.6 79.7 
		
	
	
		
			  Percentages of GCSE science entries and achievements made by pupils in the independent sector 
			  Percentage 
			   2005  2006  2007 
			   Entries  A-C  A-G  Entries  A-C  A-G  Entries  A-C  A-G 
			 Physics 31.9 33.5 31.9 29.7 31.3 29.7 27.9 29.4 27.9 
			 Chemistry 32.0 33.9 32.0 29.8 31.4 29.8 28.1 29.7 28.1 
			 Biological sciences 32.1 33.8 32.2 29.9 31.7 30.1 28.5 30.4 28.6 
			 French 12.0 19.1 12.1 14.1 20.6 14.2 15.2 21.2 15.3 
			 German 7.7 11.1 7.8 9.1 12.4 9.2 10.0 13.3 10.0 
			 Spanish 18.4 27.0 18.6 19.5 27.2 19.7 20.1 27.3 20.3 
			  Notes: 1. Figures relate to pupils at the end of key stage 4. 2. Mainstream maintained sector includes academies and CTCs. 
		
	
	
		
			  Percentage of GCE A level science and modern foreign language entries and achievements made by pupils in maintained mainstream and independent sectors 
			  Percentage 
			   A  B  C  D  E  Other  A-E  Total  A  B  C 
			  Mainstream maintained
			  2007
			 Physics 63.6 76.1 82.6 87.4 90.6 91.9 76.5 77.1 36.3 23.7 17.2 
			 Chemistry 63.6 78.2 83.8 88.9 90.8 91.6 76.9 77.3 36.3 21.5 15.8 
			 Biological sciences 68.0 79.5 85.9 90.0 92.6 93.1 81.1 81.5 31.9 20.3 13.8 
			 French 57.9 71.1 80.7 86.4 91.6 90.3 70.7 70.9 42.0 28.7 19.2 
			 German 60.4 77.3 88.6 91.8 96.2 87.9 75.8 75.9 39.6 22.7 11.4 
			 Spanish 49.9 66.5 76.7 87.3 92.3 90.0 65.0 65.2 49.9 33.4 23.1 
			 
			  2006
			 Physics 62.3 74.3 81.7 85.5 88.4 90.5 75.4 76.0 37.6 25.6 18.2 
			 Chemistry 62.8 75.8 83.0 87.9 90.5 93.1 76.0 76.5 37.1 23.9 16.8 
			 Biological sciences 65.2 78.5 86.1 90.0 92.4 94.9 80.5 81.1 34.6 21.3 13.8 
			 French 56.1 70.8 78.9 85.4 91.8 89.8 70.1 70.3 43.8 29.2 21.1 
			 German 56.4 73.1 86.3 91.1 94.5 96.2 72.6 72.9 43.6 26.9 13.6 
			 Spanish 48.3 63.8 74.8 83.9 92.8 92.6 63.5 63.8 51.6 35.7 25.2 
			 
			  2005
			 Physics 62.7 74.6 82.4 86.9 91.3 92.0 76.5 77.2 37.2 25.4 17.5 
			 Chemistry 61.2 75.3 81.9 87.0 90.1 92.1 75.3 75.8 38.8 24.6 17.9 
			 Biological sciences 64.6 77.9 85.1 90.1 93.2 95.6 80.4 81.2 35.3 22.0 14.8 
			 French 53.8 68.2 77.0 81.6 87.4 92.5 68.0 68.3 46.2 31.7 22.9 
			 German 56.0 75.8 83.9 88.8 91.2 90.7 72.9 73.3 44.0 24.2 16.1 
			 Spanish 47.6 58.5 71.6 82.3 90.5 83.0 61.0 61.2 52.4 41.4 28.2 
			  Notes: 1. Figures relate to 16 to 18-year-olds (age at start of academic year, i.e. 31 August). 2. Mainstream maintained sector includes academies, CTCs, sixth form colleges and school sixth forms. 
		
	
	
		
			  Percentage of GCE AS level science and modern foreign language entries and achievements made by pupils in maintained mainstream and independent sector 
			  Percentage 
			   A  B  C  D  E  Other  A-E  Total  A  B  C 
			  Mainstream maintained
			  2007
			 Physics 72.1 80.9 85.8 89.1 91.4 94.3 83.1 85.0 27.8 19.1 14.0 
			 Chemistry 73.8 82.3 87.7 90.3 91.7 95.4 84.7 86.5 26.1 17.4 12.0 
			 Biological sciences 78.0 86.1 89.7 91.7 93.8 96.1 88.1 89.7 21.9 13.8 10.1 
			 French 65.8 76.1 80.9 85.7 90.2 96.0 77.8 79.6 34.0 23.7 18.9 
			 German 67.6 80.4 89.9 92.0 94.8 96.6 83.2 84.4 32.4 19.5 10.0 
			 Spanish 60.4 66.9 75.7 81.2 88.0 96.0 72.8 74.9 39.1 33.1 24.2 
			 
			  2006
			 Physics 71.1 80.4 86.2 89.1 90.3 94.5 82.5 84.6 28.9 19.5 13.7 
			 Chemistry 71.5 82.0 87.6 90.2 92.4 96.4 84.2 86.2 28.4 17.9 12.3 
			 Biological sciences 76.0 84.6 89.2 91.8 93.6 96.7 87.2 89.1 24.0 15.4 10.7 
			 French 64.2 74.0 80.4 87.2 90.9 94.5 77.3 79.0 35.6 25.9 19.5 
			 German 70.3 82.5 88.4 91.2 94.0 96.8 83.5 84.7 29.6 17.5 11.6 
			 Spanish 58.0 67.1 74.2 81.8 89.2 94.7 72.3 74.3 41.8 32.9 25.8 
			 
			  2005
			 Physics 68.7 78.9 84.3 87.8 90.4 94.7 81.3 83.7 31.2 21.0 15.6 
			 Chemistry 70.5 80.1 86.5 89.4 92.3 95.8 83.2 85.3 29.3 19.8 13.4 
			 Biological sciences 73.3 83.4 88.8 91.7 93.8 96.7 86.6 88.6 26.6 16.5 11.1 
			 French 60.7 73.1 79.6 85.1 90.5 95.3 76.0 78.0 39.2 26.9 20.3 
			 German 66.1 74.7 86.0 91.4 95.4 97.2 80.9 82.2 33.9 25.1 14.0 
			 Spanish 55.6 65.2 70.3 81.9 88.0 94.3 70.6 72.9 43.8 34.6 29.4 
			  Notes: Figures relate to 16 to 18-year-olds (age at start of academic year, i.e. 31st August). 2. Mainstream maintained sector includes academies, CTCs, sixth form colleges and school sixth forms. 3. Numbers of AS levels recorded will depend on the extent to which pupils cash-in their AS levels. This may vary considerably from school to school.

Foster Care: Grandparents

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what assessment he has made of the merits of allowing grandparents looking after their grandchildren to become foster parents without the child being first placed in care.

Kevin Brennan: It is the general duty of every local authority to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in their area who are in need and to promote the upbringing of such children by their families as required by the Children Act 1989. It is for local authorities to assess the needs of such children in the context of parental capacity and wider family and environmental factors and to decide whether they meet the criteria for the provision of accommodation under section 20 or whether care proceedings should be taken under section 31 of the Children Act 1989. A child who is voluntarily accommodated or subject to a care order is looked after. Once this decision has been made the local authority must decide on the most suitable way to fulfil its responsibilities by providing accommodation for the child which may include as the first consideration, placing the child with a relative who has been approved as a foster carer. The Care Matters White Paper set out our commitment to develop a new framework to support family and friends care which includes greater flexibility to provide financial and other support to relatives caring for children who are not looked after.

Fraud

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  how many staff were prosecuted for  (a) attempting to defraud and  (b) defrauding his Department in each year since 2003; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  on how many occasions staff employed by his Department have defrauded his Department in the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  how many staff of his Department were responsible for each instance of fraud or attempted fraud in each year since 2003; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  what estimate he has made of the losses to his Department from fraud committed by staff of his Department in each year since 2003; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: The Department was formed on 28 June 2007. Cases of fraud against the Department are collected for the HM Treasury's annual fraud return. In this respect, there have been no cases submitted. There have also been no internal staff fraud cases reported.
	My Department will not accept any level of fraud or corruption and any case will be thoroughly investigated and dealt with appropriately. The Department is committed to ensuring that the opportunities for fraud and corruption are reduced to the lowest possible level of risk.

Government Communications

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many staff in  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies (i) are classified as Government communicators and (ii) have access to the Government Communication Network.

Kevin Brennan: The information is as follows:
	(a) The Department for Children, Schools and Families central Communications Directorate has 85.9 staff classified as Government communicators. Across the Department other civil servants may have communication as a core part of their role as good communication is integral to help implement Government policy.
	(b) The Department do not have any agencies.
	(c) All civil servants who work in a communication role can access the Government Communications Network (GCN) and the resources that it provides.

Health Education

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what recent steps the Government has taken to promote healthy living in schools and family homes.

Kevin Brennan: Promoting healthy living within families and in other children's settings such as schools is a priority for the Government.
	The roll out of Sure Start children's centres, which provide access to services, including health services and advice on staying healthy in pregnancy and early childhood, for families with young children continues. There are now 2,900 children's centres with 3,500 planned for 2010, one for every community.
	Our guidance for schools on their duty to promote pupil well-being, issued for consultation on 3 July, makes clear that schools have a key role to play in encouraging pupils to adopt healthy lifestyles and encourage healthy eating. In particular, the Government are promoting healthy lifestyles to children and young people through the national healthy schools programme. The programme uses a whole school/whole child approach to health. Schools achieving healthy schools status have to satisfy criteria under four core themes: Physical Activity; Healthy Eating; Personal, Social, Health and Economics education; and Emotional Health and Well-Being. Currently, 65 per cent. of schools have achieved healthy schools status and in total nine out of 10 schools are participating in this voluntary programme.
	As the initial step in achieving our new ambition of being the first major nation to reverse the rising tide of obesity, in January 2008, the Government published Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: A Cross-Government Strategy for England. Through this comprehensive strategy we aim to enable everyone to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Everyone has a part to play and the strategy sets out a vision of what this means for schools, the food industry, employers, health services, local authorities and central Government to play their part in helping children, young people and their families to make healthy choices in food and physical activity. The initial focus is on children, and by 2020 the Government aim to reduce the proportion of overweight and obese children to 2000 levels.
	Fulfilling an important commitment in Healthy Weight Healthy Lives, in March 2008 we published the updated Child Health Promotion Programme. This sets out the schedule of services to be offered to all families with young children and includes a range of health promotion topics to be raised with families such as safety in the home, nutrition, physical activity and smoking.
	Another strong contribution to Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives is being made by the National PE and Sport Strategy for Young People. Already, 86 per cent. of school pupils are engaged in two hours of high quality PE and sport per week. Following the Prime Minister's announcement in July 2007, we have an increased focus on engaging all children and young people in PE and sport with an ambition of providing up to five hours of PE and sport a week for all five to 16-year-olds, and three hours for young people aged 16-19. This ambition includes a drive to secure full participation in at least two hours of PE or sport as part of the working school day, combined with effective signposting to further physical activity opportunities outside of school.
	From 31 July we are moving from piloting parent support advisers in 20 local authorities to national expansion. These advisers have been working with parents to improve children's behaviour and school attendance, offering advice with parenting, and providing support for families at the first sign a child or young person may be experiencing behavioural or emotional issues. In many cases they may be the first point of contact between parents and schools and where health issues are raised they are well placed to refer parents to the relevant specialist agencies.
	In addition we are:
	expanding the Family Nurse Partnership programme, in which health visitors provide intensive home visiting for vulnerable first time young parents, working with them from early pregnancy until the child is two years old. The programme is being expanded from 10 to 30 sites across the country; and
	putting in place a proper dining culture in schools so that eating a healthy lunch is seen as normal by young peopleparticularly the 230,000 children eligible for, but not claiming, free school meals. Over three million children are now eating school dinners dailyan increase of around 50,000 extra pupils over last year.
	In the autumn we will set out our strategy to further improve health outcomes for children and young people over the next 10 years.

Languages: Education

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of 15-year-olds took  (a) a GCSE and  (b) an A-level in (i) French, (ii) German, (iii) Spanish, (iv) Italian, (v) Mandarin Chinese and (vi) another modern foreign language in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The available figures for GCSE are given in the table. The information for the remaining years can be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The Department does not hold information on the A level achievements of 15-year-olds.
	
		
			  GCSE attempts in Modern Foreign Languages 
			   1997  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007 
			 French 52.2 48.9 45.0 38.2 32.1 28.7 
			 German 21.7 19.4 18.1 15.5 13.0 11.5 
			 Spanish 5.9 8.2 8.3 8.1 7.9 8.1 
			 Italian 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 
			 Mandarin 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 
			 Other MFL 2.5 2.7 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.5 
			  Note: Figures relate to 15-year-olds (age at start of academic year, i.e. 31 August) in all schools. Other MFL includes 'Arabic', 'Bengali', 'Dutch', 'Gujarati', 'Japanese', 'Panjabi', 'Persian', 'Polish', 'Portuguese', 'Russian', 'Turkish' and' Urdu'.

National Curriculum Tests

Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families in how many schools in  (a) England,  (b) Hampshire and  (c) Basingstoke fewer than 65 per cent. of pupils achieved level 4 or above in mathematics and English in (i) 2006, (ii) 2007 and (iii) 2008.

Jim Knight: The information is shown as follows:
	
		
			  Number of schools where fewer than 65 per cent. of pupils achieved Level 4 
			   2006  2007 
			   English  Maths  English  Maths 
			 England 1,785 2,555 1,484 2,026 
			 Hampshire 25 47 17 28 
			 Basingstoke 3 4 1 3 
		
	
	2008 results are not available until after the publication of the Primary School Achievement and Attainment Tables.
	The public service agreement (PSA) target is to reduce by 40 per cent. by 2008 the number of schools where less than 65 per cent. of pupils achieve level 4 in English and in maths (using the 2003 published figures as the baseline for measurement).
	We have made exceptional progress to reduce low performance and are ahead of trajectory. In English the number of schools has reduced by nearly half (48 per cent.) with 1,484 schools below the target in English down from 2,849 in 2003. In mathematics the number of schools has reduced by 43 per cent. down from 3,570 to 2,026.

Oxford University: Disadvantaged

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many of those students who were offered places at either Oxford or Cambridge University in  (a) 2006 and  (b) 2007 were in receipt of free school meals.

Bill Rammell: I have been asked to reply.
	Analysts in the Department are currently working on producing progression figures for FSM and non-FSM pupils, and we are planning to publish these by autumn. Information on the FSM background of higher education entrants in 2006 and 2007 is not currently available.

Parents: Alcoholism

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what assessment he has made of the impact of alcohol dependency of one or both parents on family income; and what steps his Department is taking to protect the welfare of children in such circumstances.

Kevin Brennan: Department for Work and Pensions research on Public Attitudes to Child Poverty indicates an association between poverty and substance misuse that affects a very small minority of children. 4 per cent. of lone parents have alcohol dependency and 2 per cent. drug dependency and the respective figures for couples with children are 3 per cent. and 1 per cent. This is compared to the 22 per cent. of children living in poverty due to other factors.
	The Government do not annually record the number of young people affected by parental alcohol misuse. However, the Interim Analytical report produced for the 2004, Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit estimates that between 780,000 and 1.3 million children are affected by parental alcohol problems. The Government recognise that parental alcohol misuse is a serious problem in the family and has negative effects on a child's life chances. This is why my Department is investing in targeted services for those families at risk that will help to reduce the risk of dependency on alcohol and break the cycle of problems being transferred between generations.
	The drug strategy, Drugs: Protecting Families and Communities, published in February 2008, identified families as a key priority and highlighted the need for support to prevent future problems for children. This proposed a programme of intensive support services to reach the most chaotic families through programmes, such as the Family Interventions Project and Family Pathfinders, to develop local systems and services that improve outcomes for families at risk. We are committing to further evaluating a number of programmes to better gauge their impact on reducing alcohol problems.

Secondary Education: Standards

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families which local authorities required to submit plans to his Department as part of the National Challenge did so before 1 August.

Jim Knight: In June we asked local authorities to review their existing plans for school improvement and consider the extra support that they and local partners would provide to lift schools above the floor by 2011. We asked local authorities to send us their plans, and their judgment on the support needed, by the end of July 2008.
	All local authorities with schools below the floor target submitted their plans before 1 August, with the exception of local authorities in the Greater Manchester and Black Country City Challenge areas. These local authorities were asked to work on existing City Challenge time scales for agreeing support for schools.
	Officials from the Department and the National Strategies are meeting with Directors of Children's Services throughout September to discuss these plans in more detail.

Special Educational Needs

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps he plans to take to ensure that changes to special educational needs and disability tribunals do not add to costs for parents.

Bridget Prentice: I have been asked to reply.
	Under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, new rules of procedure have been drawn up for the Health, Education and Social Care chamber. SENDIST's judiciary and members have been fully involved in their creation. Members of SENDIST and the Tribunals Service are working to put in place a system which remains consistent with the tribunal's aims.
	None of the changes will result in an increase in costs for parents. There will be no changes to the hearing or how it is conducted. Appeals will continue to be held by the same panel of judges and members and in the same accessible and informal manner as they are now.

Specialised Diplomas

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many pupils have enrolled on diploma courses for  (a) Construction and the Built Environment,  (b) Engineering,  (c) Society,  (d) Health and Development,  (e) Creative and Media and  (f) Information Technology; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: Learner numbers for all qualifications are still subject to change during the first weeks of the autumn term, as young people make their final decisions about the courses they want to pursue. We are gathering data from local authorities on Diploma learner numbers during this term, in order to make adjustments to the funding areas receive for Diplomas. We will publish this information before the end of the year.

Training and Development Agency for Schools: Finance

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the percentage change has been in the cost of administration at the Training and Development Agency for Schools since 2003-04.

Jim Knight: The Training and Development Agency's (TDA) administration grant in aid increased by 92 per cent. between 2003-04 and 2007-08 as shown.
	
		
			  Total administration expenditure trend 
			million  Percentage 
			 2003-04 13.0 36 
			 2004-05 14.3 10 
			 2005-06 21.3 49 
			 2006-07 24.2 14 
			 2007-08 25.0 (1)3 
			 (1)( )year-on-year increase 
		
	
	The increase is as a result of the Education Act 2005 which created the TDA from the former Teacher Training Agency, increasing the Agency's remit to the whole school workforce in England. During the period TDA's programme expenditure increased from 501 million to 772 million, an increase of 54 per cent.

Training and Development Agency for Schools: Finance

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much of the 4.09 million of efficiency savings made by the Training and Development Agency for Schools between 2005-06 and 2007-08 was cashable.

Jim Knight: The total Training and Development Agency SR04 efficiency savings are cashable.

Training and Development Agency for Schools: Manpower

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the average cost of each employee of the Training and Development Agency for Schools, including pension and social security costs, has been in each year since it was established.

Jim Knight: The following table shows the Training and Development Agency's (TDA) staff costs per employee; basic pay, national insurance and superannuation contributions for the period 1994-95, when the agency was established, to 2007-08 (31 March 2008).
	
		
			  Average cost per staff 
			   000 
			 1994-95 15 
			 1995-96 28 
			 1996-97 24 
			 1997-98 25 
			 1998-99 20 
			 1999-2000 18 
			 2000-01 18 
			 2001-02 24 
			 2002-03 28 
			 2003-04 34 
			 2004-05 33 
			 2005-06 41 
			 2006-07 46 
			 2007-08 (1)46 
			 (1) Net of staff cost related receipts. 
		
	
	The employee cost of 15,000 in 1994-95 is lower because it represents seven months of the financial year. The increase in costs seen in 2005-06 is due to the merger of two organisations where one had higher pay bands.

Training and Development Agency for Schools: Manpower

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what percentage of the staffing costs of the Training and Development Agency for Schools were spent on temporary staff in 2007-08.

Jim Knight: As shown on page 53, note 6(b) of the 2007-08 accounts, the TDA staff numbers in 2007-08 totalled 334 (2006-07 = 308), of whom 45 were temporary employees (2006-07 = 22). The total permanent employed and temporary staff costs for the year were:
	
		
			  Temporary staff cost percentage 
			   2006-07  2007-08 
			 Non temporary staff ( million) 12.8 13.1 
			 Temporary staff ( million) 1.2 2.3 
			 Temporary staff (percentage) 9 15 
		
	
	The increase in the number of temporary staff in 2007-08 compared to 2006-07 is due to a large number of new programmes that started in year.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Administration of Justice: Translation Services

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will bring forward amendments to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 to implement the national agreement on arrangements for the use of interpreters, translators and language service professionals in investigations and proceedings within the Criminal Justice System, as revised in 2007; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The review of PACE has highlighted the need to consider revising PACE Code C on interpreters. We are currently working with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Interpreters Working Group on determining how best to ensure that access to interpreting and translating services can be achieved at the police station. We hope to publish proposals by the end of 2008.

Departmental Sick Leave

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many working hours were lost in her Department due to sick leave in each year since 1997; and what information she holds on the number of working hours lost in the police service in that period.

Tony McNulty: The Home Office is unable to provide sickness data in hours of its staff due to the way sickness is recorded on the personnel information management system. To provide data especially for the shift-working staff will require identifying shift patterns and manually counting sickness hours which would be disproportionate cost.

Essex Constabulary

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what national police responsibilities are tasked to Essex Constabulary for 2008-09; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: In common with all other police forces in England and Wales, Essex Constabulary has a duty to consider the Home Secretary's strategic policing priorities and to have developed policing plans with its police authority which include plans for delivering protective services.

Essex Police Authority: Data Protection

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms are in place to ensure that information kept by Essex Police Authority is  (a) accurate and up-to-date and  (b) kept securely; what recent discussions she has had with Essex Police Authority on this; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: Such issues are a matter for the Police Authority in Essex.

Essex Police Authority: Data Protection

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people of each grade employed by her Department have  (a) partial and  (b) full access to data held by Essex Police Authority; what guidance her Department issues to persons seeking access to this data; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: Staff in the Home Office Policing Statistics Group responsible for statistical data analysis have partial access to data held by the Essex police force rather than the Essex Police Authority as part of their responsibilities. Every police force in England and Wales is required to routinely submit statistical returns on a variety of subject areas for which the Home Office Policing Statistics Group has, among other things, responsibility for quality assurance, producing statistical analysis and statistical outputs including police recorded crime. The Policing Statistics Group responsible for this statistical analysis is staffed as follows:
	
		
			   Number 
			 Grade 6 1 
			 Grade 7 2 
			 Senior Executive Officer 2 
			 Higher Executive Officer 2 
			 Senior Research Officers/Senior Statistical Office 5 
			 Research Officer 1 
			 Executive Officer 2 
			 Research Trainee 1 
		
	
	The data from Essex police are transferred electronically to the Home Office Policing Statistics Collection Section which is headed by a Senior Executive Officer. In addition there is one Higher Executive Officer, one Executive Officer and four Administrative Officers involved in the data transfer and the initial quality assurance process.
	All of these staff report ultimately to the Home Office Chief Statistician.
	With the exception of data on homicides, all of the returns received involve aggregated data and no details of individuals are known. All published data are in aggregated form. In addition, staff within the Policing Statistics Group work to statistical disclosure procedures in accordance with the National Statistics guidance.
	All of the datasets managed are password controlled. Staff new to the Policing Statistics Group are given instruction on how data should be handled and all of the staff involved are subject to the provisions laid out in the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Official Secrets Act 1989.

Forensic Science

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which police forces in England conduct preliminary forensic testing in-house.

Tony McNulty: No police forces in England conduct preliminary forensic testing relating to DNA in-house.

Genetics: Databases

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contingency plans she has in place in the event of large-scale losses of data from the DNA database.

Meg Hillier: The operation of the national DNA database is overseen by the custodian, who manages it both through his own staff and through a contract awarded to the Forensic Science Service (FSS), for operation and management of the NDNAD and its IT systems. The FSS is required to demonstrate compliance with specified security requirements, and the NDNAD system is subject to independent security accreditation.
	Under business continuity planning arrangements for the NDNAD, the data held on it are backed up and could be recovered in the event of loss of data from the database.

Genetics: Databases

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there have been where the guilt of the person was determined by reference to samples held on the national DNA database, broken down by category of offence.

Meg Hillier: Information on the number of convictions obtained by reference to DNA is not collected, as convictions are obtained by integrated criminal investigation not by forensic science alone. However, data have been collected since 1998 on detections in which a DNA match was available and/or played a part in solving the crime. It is estimated that over the period April 1998 to March 2008, there have been over 272,000 detections. A breakdown of this figure by year is given in table 1. A breakdown of detections in 2007-08 by crime type is given in table 2.
	
		
			  Table 1: Number of detections in which a DNA match was available or played a part, April 1998 to March 2008, England and Wales 
			   Detected crimes in which a DNA match was available  Additional detections arising from DNA match( 1)  Total detected crimes in which a DNA match was available or played a part 
			 1998-99 6,151 n/a 6,151 
			 1999-2000 8,612 n/a 8,612 
			 2000-01 14,785 n/a 14,785 
			 2001-02 15,894 6,509 22,403 
			 2002-03 21,098 12,717 33,815 
			 2003-04 20,489 15,899 36,388 
			 2004-05 19,873 15,732 35,605 
			 2005-06 20,349 19,960 40,309 
			 2006-07 19,949 21,199 41,148 
			 2007-08 17,614 15,420 33,034 
			 Total 164,814 107,436 272,250 
			 n/a = Not available. (1) Additional detections may result from the original crime with the DNA match due to the identification of further offences through forensic linkage or through admission by the offender. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Detections, 2007-08, England and Wales 
			  Crime type  Number 
			 Homicide 83 
			 Rape 184 
			 Robbery 617 
			 Other violent crime 849 
			 Other sex offences 64 
			 Drugs offences 321 
			 Domestic burglary 3,443 
			 Other burglary 3,886 
			 Theft from vehicle 2,201 
			 Theft of vehicle 1,379 
			 Criminal damage 3,180 
			 All other recorded crime 1,407 
			 Total 17,614

Genetics: Databases

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many requests for information on the national DNA database her Department has received from other countries in 2007-08.

Meg Hillier: There are three categories of information sought from the national DNA database (NDNAD) by other countries.
	1. Searches carried out against the NDNAD of DNA profiles from outstanding serious crimes or for the identification of an unknown deceased person believed to be a United Kingdom national. Reports are issued directly to the United Kingdom National Central Bureau for Interpol (UK NCB), based at the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), as to the outcome of each profile search. There were 727 responses to profile search requests in 2007-08.
	2. Requests for the DNA profile held for a subject on the NDNAD, where fingerprints have been provided to the country that the individual currently resides in. Again this is information provided to SOCA. There were 89 subject DNA profiles provided in 2007-08.
	3. Database management information. This provides the number of subject and crime scene DNA profile records held on the NDNAD and the number of match reports generated. Countries who do not have a DNA database use this information to demonstrate the success of the United Kingdom Database, to support their case for legislation in their own country for a DNA database.
	Requestors are directed to the most recent published NDNAD annual report, thus no figures are kept for the numbers of such requests.

Genetics: Databases

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost to her Department of maintaining the national DNA database was in 2007-08.

Meg Hillier: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 14 August 2008,  Official Report, columns 1566-67W.

Members: Correspondence

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  when she plans to reply to question 198757, tabled by the hon. Member for Wycombe on 31 March 2008, on the role of statutory agencies in the Channel Project;
	(2)  when she plans to reply to question 198654, tabled by the hon. Member for Wycombe on 31 March 2008, on discussions with police forces on the setting up of the Channel Project to combat violent extremism;
	(3)  when she plans to reply to question 198758, tabled by the hon. Member for Wycombe on 31 March 2008, on areas selected under the Channel Project;
	(4)  when she plans to reply to question 198759, tabled by the hon. Member for Wycombe on 31 March 2008, on consultations on the Channel Project;
	(5)  when she plans to reply to question 198655, tabled by the hon. Member for Wycombe on 31 March 2008, on her Department's role in the development of the Channel Project.

Tony McNulty: I replied to the hon. Member on 22 July 2008,  Official Report, columns 1375-76W.

Members: Correspondence

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  when she plans to reply to Question 198751, tabled by the hon. Member for Wycombe on 31 March 2008, on the criteria to be used to determine the effectiveness of the Channel Project to combat violent extremism;
	(2)  when she plans to reply to Question 198753, tabled by the hon. Member for Wycombe, on 31 March 2008, on Channel Project expenditure on combating violent extremism;
	(3)  when she plans to reply to Question 198755, tabled by the hon. Member for Wycombe on 31 March 2008, on the cost of the Channel Project to combat violent extremism;
	(4)  when she plans to reply to Question 198754, tabled by the hon. Member for Wycombe on 31 March 2008, on local community groups that the Channel Project to combat violent extremism plans to fund;
	(5)  when she plans to reply to Question 198756, tabled by the hon. Member for Wycombe on 31 March 2008, on the numbers of people employed by the Channel Project to combat violent extremism.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 26 June 2008
	 I replied to the hon. Member on 22 July 2008,  Official Report, columns 1375-76W.

Members: Correspondence

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to reply to question 198752 tabled by the hon. Member for Wycombe on 31 March 2008 on discussions with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on the Channel project.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 30 June 2008
	I replied to the hon. Member on 22 July 2008,  Official Report, column 1376W.

Passports

Eleanor Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the timetable is for the publication of draft legislation on the procedures for the issue and revocation of passports.

Meg Hillier: The Government have decided in principle to introduce such legislation but no timetable has yet been set.

Police: Bureaucracy

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Reducing Bureaucracy Awards scheme will continue in 2008; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The awards scheme will not continue in 2008. The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) now leads the Government's work in this area and is working very closely with forces, authorities and frontline officers and staff to take this work forward.
	Jan Berry will shortly take up a new post focussed on providing an independent voice to Government and the service to further improve performance in this area.

Police: Bureaucracy

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 31 March 2008,  Official Report, column 602W, on bureaucracy, what proposals were made by those who received awards; and which police forces have adopted each of those proposals.

Tony McNulty: The information requested is as follows:
	 2003-04
	1st place: Lancashire Constabularyproposal related to officers no longer responding to requests from the DVLA to seize driving licenses.
	Joint 2nd place: Metropolitan Police Serviceproposal suggested bar coding prisoners' property when booked into a station.
	3rd place: Thames Valley Policeproposal suggested improvements to exchange of data between officers and officials at DWP.
	 2004-05
	1st place: Gloucestershire Constabularyproposal suggested digitally recording interviews with suspects.
	2nd place: Lancashire Constabularyproposal suggested taking fingerprints on the street to confirm identity.
	3rd place: Greater Manchester Policeproposal suggested detention officers issuing penalty notices for disorder (PND) in custody, under the supervision of a police officer.
	 2005-06
	1st place: Metropolitan Police Serviceproposal suggested automatic self population of originator personal details on electronic forms.
	2nd place: Lancashire ConstabularyProposal suggested the production of a PND direct from the police custody computer as a print out.
	Special award: Chief Constable Martin Baker (Dorset Constabulary)for his work on the .sorted intranet based initiative.
	The Home Office does not hold central records for the number of forces which have adopted these proposals.

Police: Bureaucracy

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who the current National Bureaucracy Adviser on Police Reform is.

Tony McNulty: The role of national bureaucracy adviser came to an end in the summer of 2007. The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) now leads the Government's work in this area and is working very closely with forces, authorities and frontline officers and staff to take this work forward.
	Jan Berry will shortly take up a new post focussed on providing an independent voice to Government and the service to further improve performance in this area.

Police: Ethnic Groups

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department is taking to encourage people from an ethnic minority background to join the police force.

Tony McNulty: The Home Office proposal to develop an Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Strategy is set out in Cm 7448 From the Neighbourhood to National: Policing Our Communities Together at chapter 4 (4.16-4.24).
	http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/police-reform/Policing_Green.pdf
	Initiatives aimed at encouraging people from minority ethnic backgrounds to join the police force vary from force to force, but include: targeted advertising; mentoring; familiarisation days; and specific training to support candidates who may need assistance with language skills. The Government have encouraged the development of dedicated outreach posts to help forces build sustainable relationships with communities and encourage applications from those groups who are under represented in the service.

Police: Ethnic Groups

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many interview panels for police officer recruits in police forces in England and Wales include a person from an ethnic minority as standard practice.

Tony McNulty: The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) is responsible for the design and quality assurance of police officer recruitment across England and Wales. New police officers are selected against national recruitment standards using the Police SEARCH Assessment Centre selection technique. The Assessment Centre is centrally designed and locally delivered by forces using nationally accredited assessors and interviewers. There are currently 236 (12.1 per cent.) minority ethnic assessors on the central database of accredited assessors.

Police: Ethnic Groups

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what policies are in place to encourage police officers in England and Wales from an ethnic minority background to apply for senior positions.

Tony McNulty: The Home Office proposal to develop an Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Strategy is set out in Cm 7448 From the Neighbourhood to National: Policing Our Communities Together at chapter 4 (4.164.24). Our general approach to leadership and senior appointments is set out at chapter3.
	http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/police-reform/Policing_Green.pdf

Police: Ethnic Groups

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many and what percentage of police constables in England and Wales are from an ethnic minority;
	(2)  how many and what percentage of police officers in England and Wales at a rank above police constable are from an ethnic minority;
	(3)  how many and what percentage of  (a) special constables and  (b) police community support officers in England and Wales are from an ethnic minority;
	(4)  how many and what percentage of chief constables in England and Wales are from an ethnic minority;
	(5)  how many and what percentage of police commanders in England and Wales are from an ethnic minority.

Tony McNulty: The latest available information relates to 31 March 2008 and is given in the following table. Separate information for chief constables and police commanders is not collected centrally so figures for ACPO rank officers are provided instead.
	
		
			  Number of police officers and staff in post, England and Wales, 31 March 2008( 1) 
			   Number in post  
			   Measure( 2)  Total  Ethnic minority  Ethnic minority percentage of total 
			 Police Constables fte 108,884 4,823 4.4 
			 Officers above the rank of police constable(3) fte 32,975 970 2.9 
			 Special Constables hc 14,547 1,351 9.3 
			 Police Community Support Officers fte 15,805 1,813 11.5 
			 ACPO rank officers(4) fte 202 7 3.5 
			 (1) Figures relate to the 43 forces in England and Wales, and exclude British Transport Police and secondments to Central Service organisations. (2) Measures are in terms of full time equivalents (fte), except for special constables where a head count (hc) measure is appropriate. (3) Includes Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Inspector, Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and ACPO ranks. (4) Includes Assistant Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable and Chief Constable; in the Metropolitan Police Service, Commander, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner; in the City of London Police, Commander, Assistant Commissioner and Commissioner.

HEALTH

Abortion

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many terminations of pregnancies of women in each  (a) age group and  (b) region have taken place in each of the last 10 years.

Ben Bradshaw: The information is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Abortions by age and strategic health authority/region( 1)  of residence, England and Wales, 1998 to 2007 
			   Under 18  18-19  20-24  25-29  30-34  35+  Total 
			  Strategic Health Authority
			  2007
			 North East 1,025 1,031 2,314 1,509 861 861 7,601 
			 North West 3,035 3,385 7,668 4,863 3,105 2,969 25,025 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 2,090 2,246 4,999 3,194 1,968 2,186 16,683 
			 East Midlands 1,431 1,686 3,782 2,486 1,603 1,750 12,738 
			 West Midlands 2,288 2,651 6,352 4,234 2,711 2,734 20,970 
			 East of England 1,751 2,018 4,448 3,348 2,293 2,718 16,576 
			 London 3,386 4,454 13,862 12,560 8,218 7,733 50,213 
			 South Central 1,216 1,522 3,397 2,458 1,762 2,001 12,356 
			 South East Coast 1,388 1,715 3,636 2,769 1,997 2,421 13,926 
			 South West 1,636 1,749 3,864 2,576 1,699 2,122 13,646 
			 Wales 1,043 1,209 2,641 1,707 1,040 1,125 8,765 
			 Total 20,289 23,666 56,963 41,704 27,257 28,620 198,499 
			 
			  2006
			 North East 905 950 2,144 1,322 880 845 7,046 
			 North West 2,595 3,111 6,951 4,303 2,882 2,819 22,661 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 1,922 2,138 4,806 2,948 2,108 2,049 15,971 
			 East Midlands 1,323 1,506 3,535 2,344 1,771 1,721 12,200 
			 West Midlands 2,197 2,484 6,076 4,018 2,806 2,743 20,324 
			 East of England 1,604 1,891 4,475 3,301 2,394 2,871 16,536 
			 London 3,173 4,639 14,081 12,869 8,501 7,809 51,072 
			 South Central 1,163 1,501 3,482 2,554 1,895 2,112 12,707 
			 South East Coast 1,278 1,604 3,466 2,657 2,014 2,410 13,429 
			 South West 1,455 1,683 3,800 2,454 1,875 2,094 13,361 
			 Wales 1,004 1,160 2,524 1,626 1,027 1,089 8,430 
			 Total 18,619 22,667 55,340 40,396 28,153 28,562 193,737 
			 
			  Government Office Region
			  2005
			 North East 882 952 2,124 1,274 887 820 6,939 
			 North West 2,548 2,719 6,667 3,990 2,901 2,720 21,545 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 1,726 1,945 4,463 2,868 2,013 1,958 14,973 
			 East Midlands 1,251 1,464 3,484 2,285 1,699 1,713 11,896 
			 West Midlands 2,054 2,354 5,557 3,677 2,743 2,759 19,144 
			 East of England 1,526 1,738 4,215 3,039 2,380 2,547 15,445 
			 London 3,232 4,521 13,971 12,544 8,559 7,698 50,525 
			 South East 2,460 2,814 6,911 4,959 3,831 4,449 25,424 
			 South West 1,450 1,536. 3,591 2,278 1,809 2,097 12,761 
			 Wales 894 1,033 2,359 1,416 1,014 1,048 7,764 
			 Total 18,023 21,076 53,342 38,330 27,836 27,809 186,416 
			 
			  2004
			 North East 986 983 2,154 1,320 887 813 7,143 
			 North West 2,454 2,725 6,246 3,809 2,857 2,688 20,779 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 1,715 1,822 4,246 2,658 2,016 1,902 14,359 
			 East Midlands 1,299 1,476 3,448 2,147 1,706 1,689 11,765 
			 West Midlands 1,888 2,369 5,550 3,527 2,680 2,585 18,599 
			 East 1,462 1,797 4,104 2,889 2,387 2,679 15,318 
			 London 3,408 4,554 14,180 12,639 8,751 7,874 51,406 
			 South East 2,351 2,820 6,887 5,070 3,912 4,416 25,456 
			 South West 1,400 1,652 3,596 2,295 1,853 2,070 12,866 
			 Wales 929 1,052 2,290 1,405 1,015 1,033 7,724 
			 Total 17,892 21,250 52,701 37,759 28,064 27,749 185,415 
			 
			  2003
			 North East 1,023 911 2,094 1,182 914 794 6,918 
			 North West 2,410 2,534 5,838 3,488 2,853 2,733 19,856 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 1,702 1,833 4,078 2,510 2,055 1,936 14,114 
			 East Midlands 1,269 1,373 3,176 2,133 1,651 1,630 11,232 
			 West Midlands 1,999 2,149 5,157 3,297 2,762 2,420 17,784 
			 East 1,516 1,742 4,178 2,852 2,484 2,707 15,479 
			 London 3,587 4,445 14,492 12,323 9,178 7,828 51,853 
			 South East 2,269 2,659 6,642 4,625 3,914 4,384 24,493 
			 South West 1,389 1,494 3,274 2,221 1,866 1,994 12,238 
			 Wales 958 952 2,272 1,387 1,072 974 7,615 
			 Total 18,122 20,092 51,201 36,018 28,749 27,400 181,582 
			 
			  2002
			 North East 880 831 1,901 1,160 892 779 6,443 
			 North West 2,361 2,447 5,523 3,595 2,858 2,565 19,349 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 1,683 1,667 3,914 2,453 2,074 1,789 13,580 
			 East Midlands 1,209 1,309 3,005 1,973 1,688 1,586 10,770 
			 West Midlands 1,886 2,092 4,773 3,243 2,708 2,449 17,151 
			 East 1,461 1,568 3,860 2,756 2,473 2,497 14,615 
			 London 3,501 4,343 14,112 12,439 8,967 7,694 51,056 
			 South East 2,220 2,607 6,143 4,670 3,876 4,158 23,674 
			 South West 1,342 1,489 3,106 2,142 1,872 1,947 11,898 
			 Wales 906 916 2,141 1,364 1,095 974 7,396 
			 Total 17,449 19,269 48,478 35,795 28,503 26,438 175,932 
			 
			  Regional office
			  2001
			 Trent 354 2,854 3,746 2,420 2,007 1,852 13,233 
			 North West 487 4,336 5,556 3,661 2,921 2,421 19,382 
			 Northern and Yorkshire 437 3,529 4,620 2,979 2,277 2,103 15,945 
			 West Midlands 413 3,566 4,658 3,304 2,775 2,348 17,064 
			 Eastern 305 2,838 3,895 2,909 2,472 2,255 14,674 
			 London 640 7,182 13,990 12,501 9,200 7,590 51,103 
			 South East 518 4,848 6,642 5,150 4,102 4,249 25,509 
			 South West 285 2,578 3,039 2,175 1,938 1,899 11,914 
			 Wales 219 1,700 2,145 1,407 1,090 979 7,540 
			 Total 3,658 33,431 48,291 36,506 28,782 25,696 176,364 
			 
			  2000
			 Trent 350 2,966 3,654 2,628 2,080 1,744 13,422 
			 North West 465 4,563 5,474 4,038 2,946 2,407 19,893 
			 Northern and Yorkshire 496 3,648 4,605 3,310 2,338 2,074 16,471 
			 West Midlands 456 3,660 4,740 3,421 2,821 2,319 17,417 
			 Eastern 300 2,775 3,696 3,056 2,432 2,231 14,490 
			 London 641 6,748 13,593 12,508 9,058 7,260 49,808 
			 South East 539 4,713 6,304 5,169 4,120 4,062 24,907 
			 South West 303 2,425 3,015 2,235 1,850 1,787 11,615 
			 Wales 198 1,720 2,066 1,487 1,090 958 7,519 
			 Total 3,748 33,218 47,147 37,852 28,735 24,842 175,542 
			 
			 
			  1999
			 Trent 403 3,034 3,576 2,752 2,092 1,759 13,616 
			 North West 474 4,225 5,332 4,117 3,114 2,478 19,740 
			 Northern and Yorkshire 479 3,740 4,476 3,412 2,382 2,057 16,546 
			 West Midlands 393 3,528 4,181 3,375 2,768 2,311 16,556 
			 Eastern 306 2,844 3,496 3,031 2,482- 2,336 14,495 
			 London 522 6,438 12,752 12,624 9,146 6,879 48,361 
			 South East 502 4,676 6,177 5,185 4,151 4,028 24,719 
			 South West 310 2,578. 3,028 2,452 1,896 1,809 12,073 
			 Wales 214 1,744 2,044 1,544 1,108 941 7,595 
			 Total 3,603 32,807 45,062 38,492 29,139 24,598 173,701 
			 
			  1998
			 Trent 401 3,075 3,575 2,962 2,218 1,733 13,964 
			 North West 476 4,221 5,415 4,368 3,055 2,462 19,997 
			 Northern and Yorkshire 520 3,824 4,554 3,550 2,575 2,092 17,115 
			 West Midlands 460 3,596 4,354 3,730 2,869 2,265 17,274 
			 Anglia and Oxford 315 2,962 3,756 3,203 2,633 2,250 15,119 
			 North Thames 444 5,587 10,474 10,117 7,454 5,499 39,575 
			 South Thames 495 4,715 7,379 7,261 5,551 4,559 29,960 
			 South and West 411 3,487 4,227 3,544 2,904 2,465 17,038 
			 Wales 237 1,769 2,066 1,631 1,190 936 7,829 
			 Total 3,759 33,236 45,800 40,366 30,449 24,261 177,871 
			 (1 )There were changes in boundaries in 2006, 2002 and 1999. Strategic health authorities (SHA) are shown for 2006 and 2007. Government office regions are shown for 2002 to 2005. These are the same as the new SHAs, with the exception of the south east region, which equates to the combined area covered by the new South Central and South East Coast SHAs. Prior to 2002 data are shown for regional offices.  Note: Age not stated are included in age group 20-24.

Blackpool Primary Care Trust: Cancer

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress Blackpool Primary Care Trust has made towards achieving its cancer screening targets in each year since 1997.

Ben Bradshaw: This information is set out in the following tables:
	
		
			  Breast screening programme: coverage of women aged 53-64 by specified organisations, at 31 March 1998 to 2007 
			   1998  1999  2000  2001  2002( 2)  2003( 2)  2004( 2)  2005( 2)  2006( 2)  2007( 2) 
			  North West Lancashire Health Authority   
			 Eligible population(1) 41,205 41,787 42,111 42,460 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			 Number screened (less than 3 years since last adequate test) 27,116 28,647 29,787, 29,712 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			 Percentage coverage (less than 3 years since last adequate test) 65.8 68.6 70.7 70.0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			
			  Blackpool PCT   
			 Eligible population(1) n/a n/a n/a n/a 11,088 11,138 11,024 10,846 10,800 10,790 
			 Number screened (less than 3 years since last adequate test) n/a n/a n/a n/a 8,073 8,462 8,287 7,645 8,143 6,513 
			 Percentage coverage (less than 3 years since last adequate test) n/a n/a n/a n/a 72.8 76.0 75.2 70.5 75.4 60.4 
			 n/a = not available (1) This is the number of women in the registered population less those recorded as ineligible. (2) Data for 2003 to 2006 have been aggregated to match current primary care organisation boundaries and need to be treated as estimates. Data before 2003 are for health authority areas and are not directly comparable.  Notes: 1. The coverage of the breast screening programme is the proportion of women resident and eligible that have had a test with a recorded result at least once in the previous 3 years. 2. Coverage of the screening programme is currently best assessed using the 53-64 age group as women may be first called at any time between their 50th and 53rd birthdays. 3. The breast screening programme covers women aged 50-64 but it was extended to invite women aged 65-70 in April 2001. 4. The last unit began inviting women aged 65-70 in April 2006 and full coverage should be achieved by 2008-09.  Source: KC63 The Information Centre for health and social care. 
		
	
	
		
			  Cervical screening programme: coverage of women aged 25-64, for specified organisations, 31 March 1998 to 2007 
			   1998  1999  2000  2001  2002( 2)  2003( 2)  2004( 2)  2005( 2)  2006( 2)  2007( 2) 
			  North West Lancashire Health Authority   
			 Eligible population(1) 111,823 111,967 111,560 111,362 111,451 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			 Number screened (less than 5 years since last adequate test) 92,018 91,373 91,727 91,295 91,473 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			 Percentage coverage (less than 5 years since last adequate test) 82.3 81.6 82.2 82.0 82.1 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			
			  Blackpool PCT   
			 Eligible population(1) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 35,318 35,345 35,338 35,358 35,516 
			 Number screened (less than 5 years since last adequate test) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 28,053 27,708 27,087 26,615 26,620 
			 Percentage coverage (less than 5 years since last adequate test) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 79.4 78.4 76.7 75.3 75.0 
			 n/a = not available (1) This is the number of women in the resident population less those with recall ceased for clinical reasons. (2) Data for 2003 to 2006 have been aggregated to match current PCO boundaries and need to be treated as estimates. Data before 2003 are for health authority areas and are not directly comparable.  Notes: 1. National policy for the cervical screening programme is that eligible women aged 25 to 64 should be screened every three or five years (women aged 25 to 49 are screened every three years, those aged 50 to 64 every five years). 2. Data prior to 2002 are estimates, original data were based on last test with a result, not last adequate test (as used currently) and have been adjusted to allow for this. 3. Data prior to 1999 has been revised from published data, to not exclude from the eligible population (denominator) women whose recall was ceased due to age or other non-clinical reasons.  Source: KC53 Parts A2 and A3 The Information Centre for health and social care

Cancer

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the  (a) population,  (b) five year cancer survival rate and  (c) NHS spending on cancer was in each cancer network in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: The following table shows the latest estimated populations for each cancer network as of January 2008 and the national health service spending by population expenditure on cancer in 2006-07 for each cancer network.
	
		
			  Cancer network name  Estimated population  Expenditure by network population2006-07(000) 
			 Lancashire and South Cumbria 1,513,734 133,275 
			 Greater Manchester and Cheshire 3,026,670 274,357 
			 Merseyside and Cheshire 2,013,727 187,023 
			 Yorkshire 2,636,000 238,854 
			 Humber and Yorkshire Coast 1,053,083 86,902 
			 North Trent 1,772,905 148,830 
			 Pan Birmingham 1,902,118 167,296 
			 Arden 989,922 88,843 
			 Mid Trent 1,622,313 160,503 
			 Derby/Burton 694,250 58,756 
			 Leicestershire Northants and Rutland 1,612,309 128,794 
			 Mount Vernon 1,237,808 88,326 
			 West London 1,829,803 117,649 
			 North London 1,513,763 116,330 
			 North East London 1,535,083 124,828 
			 South East London 1,527,993 115,738 
			 South West London 1,555,376 119,113 
			 Peninsula 1,632,990 125,903 
			 Dorset 698,684 67,531 
			 Avon, Somerset and Wiltshire 1,879,525 145,581 
			 3 Counties 1,035,537 76,604 
			 Thames Valley 2,328,161 164,428 
			 Central South Coast 1,950,651 151,874 
			 Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire 1,193,245 102,870 
			 Sussex 1,154,727 89,722 
			 Kent and Medway 1,624,863 124,839 
			 Greater Midlands 1,882,323 151,263 
			 North of England 2,995,948 270,834 
			 Anglia 2,667,897 196,578 
			 Essex 1,384,217 98,944 
			  Source: National Cancer Intelligence Network and the Department of Health 
		
	
	Collection and publication of one and five year survival rates is the responsibility of the Office for National Statistics and can be obtained from their website:
	www.statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nugget.asp?ID=861Pos=1ColRank=1Rank=374
	A copy of these data have been placed in the Library.
	It is not possible to provide the five-year cancer survival rates for each cancer network, as parts of this data may make it possible to identify individual patients.

Cervical Cancer: Yorkshire and the Humber

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the take-up rate for cervical smear tests was in  (a) the East Riding of Yorkshire,  (b) Hull and  (c) North Lincolnshire primary care trust areas in each of the last 10 years.

Ben Bradshaw: This information is set out in the following table.
	
		
			   1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007 
			  East Riding Health Authority   
			 Eligible Population(1) 139,988 138,854 139,990 139,870 139,847 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 
			 Number screened (Less than five years since last adequate test) 117,911 117,644 118,834 118,741 119,131 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 
			 Coverage (Less than five years since last adequate test)(Percentage) 84.2 84.7 84.9 84.9 85.2 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 
			  South Humber Health Authority   
			 Eligible Population(1) 76,591 76,293 76,S81 76,511 76,540 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 
			 Number Screened (Less than five years since last adequate test) 64,337 64,030 64,268 63,551 63,763 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 
			 Coverage (Less than five years since last adequate test)(Percentage) 84.0 83.9 83.9 83.1 83.3 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 
			  Lincolnshire Health Authority   
			 Eligible Population(1) 143,024 152,682 155,776 157,800 159,786 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 
			 Number Screened (Less than five years since last adequate test) 128,640 128,403 129,784 130,529 132,397 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 
			 Coverage (Less than 5 years since last adequate test)(Percentage) 86.3 84.1 83.3 82.7 82.9 (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 
			  East Riding of Yorkshire PCT   
			 Eligible Population(1) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 73,635 74,364 74,972 75,583 77,786 
			 Number Screened (Less than five years since last adequate test) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 64,097 64,361 64,478 64,335 64,349 
			 Coverage (Less than five years since last adequate test)(Percentage) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 87.0 86.5 86.0 85.1 82.7 
			  Hull Teaching PCT   
			 Eligible Population(1)' (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 65,658 65,923 66,417 66,553 68,531 
			 Number Screened (Less than five years since last adequate test) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 54,685 54,258 54,007 53,739 53,494 
			 Coverage (Less than five years since last adequate test)(Percentage) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 83.3 82.3 81.3 80.7 78.1 
			  North East Lincolnshire PCT   
			 Eligible Population(1) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 38,286 39,350 39,135 39,090 39,581 
			 Number Screened (Less than five years since last adequate test) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 31,112 31,759 31,895 31,612 31,591 
			 Coverage (Less than five years since last 1 adequate test)(Percentage) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 81.3 80.7 81.5 80.9 79.8 
			  North Lincolnshire PCT   
			 Eligible Population(1) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 38,182 39,024 39,129 39,501 40,313 
			 Number Screened (Less than five years since last adequate test) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 31,889 32,313 32,450 32,400 32,332 
			 Coverage (Less than five years since last adequate test)(Percentage) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) 83.5 82.8 82.9 82.0 80.2 
			 (1) This is the number of women in the resident population less those with recall ceased for clinical reasons. (2) Not available.  Notes: 1. Data for 2003 to 2006 have been aggregated to match current primary care organisation boundaries and need to be treated as estimates. Data before 2003 are for Health Authority areas and are not directly comparable. 2. National policy for the cervical screening programme is that eligible women aged 25 to 64 should be screened every three or five years (women aged 25 to 49 are screened every three years, those aged 50 to 64 every five years). 3. Data prior to 2002 are estimates, original data were based on last test with a result, not last adequate test (as used currently) and have been adjusted to allow for this. 4. Data prior to 1999 has been revised from published data, to not exclude from the eligible population (denominator) women whose recall was ceased due to age or other non-clinical reasons.  Source: KC53 Parts A2 and A3 The Information Centre for health and social care.

Cholesterol

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take to reduce reported high exception rates to lowering cholesterol levels among patients in spearhead primary care trusts.

Ben Bradshaw: The latest research by the National Primary Care Research and Development Centre shows that although practices in deprived areas have slightly higher exception rates for patients than practices in affluent areas, deprivation related variation in reported quality of care for measured activities reduced during the first three years of the quality outcomes framework resulting in more equitable delivery of health care for these activities.
	Nevertheless, the average rate of exception reporting is just under 6 per cent. There are considerable variations between indicators and between practices. We propose to discuss with the profession how we can minimise exception reporting (as recommended by the National Audit Office) in order to ensure that all patients who would benefit from treatment have access to it.

Clostridium

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) deaths from and  (b) cases of (i) clostridium difficile and (ii) MRSA there have been in each year since 1997, broken down by region.

Ben Bradshaw: Death certificate data published by Office for National Statistics (ONS) covers all certificates where methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or  clostridium difficile ( C. difficile) is cited as a contributory factor to or an underlying cause of death. Death certificates do not record the place where an infection was acquired.
	Many patients who become infected with a healthcare associated infection (HCAI) have other serious and potentially fatal underlying medical conditions. Doctors do not record all diseases or conditions present at death, only those that contribute directly to it. It is a matter of individual professional judgment whether the doctor lists an HCAI as a contributory cause and this will depend, generally, on whether the doctor thinks that the patient would have survived significantly longer if they had not developed an infection.
	There has been a number of initiatives to raise the profile of HCAIs and improve their acknowledgement as diagnoses in their own right. In July 2005 and October 2007 the chief medical officer reminded doctors of the importance of giving full and accurate information on the death certificate, particularly in recording HCAIs.
	Table 1 provides regional data on the number of death certificates on which  C. difficile was mentioned for 1999 and 2001 to 2007.
	Table 2 provides regional data on the number of death certificates on which MRSA was mentioned from 1997 to 2007.
	NHS acute trusts are required to report all  C. difficile toxin positive faecal specimens and all MRSA positive blood cultures processed by their laboratories, whether clinically significant or not and whether acquired in that trust or elsewhere.
	Tables 3 to 5 provide data on mandatory surveillance data for  C. difficile and MRSA.
	Mandatory surveillance of  C. difficile infection for patients aged 65 years and over began in January 2004. Table 3 provides regional data on the number of recorded  C. difficile cases for patients aged 65 years and over by calendar year 2004 to 2007.
	Mandatory surveillance of  C. difficile infection was extended to include data for all patients aged two years of age and over in April 2007. Table 4 provides regional data on the number of recorded  C. difficile cases for patients aged 2-64 from April 2007 to March 2008.
	Mandatory surveillance of MRSA bacteraemia (or bloodstream infections) began in April 2001. Table 5 provides regional data on the number of recorded MRSA bacteraemia cases by financial year from 2001-02 to 2007-08. There is no mandatory surveillance of non-bacteraemia MRSA infections, these present a significantly lower risk in terms of patient safety.
	All tables have been placed in the Library.

Colorectal Cancer: Screening

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of people participating in the bowel cancer screening programme  (a) in Bolton and  (b) nationally.

Ben Bradshaw: As at 31 July 2008, uptake in the area covered by Bolton primary care trust is 50.02 per cent., with 16,252 invitation letters sent out and 8,130 testing kits returned since 12 February 2007, when the roll out of the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening programme commenced in Bolton.
	Nationally, from 3 July 2006, when the first invitations to take part in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening programme were issued, to 31 July 2008, uptake is 51.75 per cent. 1,203,015 invitation letters have been sent and 622,384 testing kits returned.

Dementia: Research

Angela Browning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how much his Department has spent on research into  (a) dementia excluding DenDRon and  (b) neurogenerative diseases since 2000;
	(2)  how much his Department has spent on research into non-Alzheimer's dementia since 2000.

Ben Bradshaw: Both the Department and the Medical Research Council (MRC) support research into neurodegenerative disease and dementia. The expenditure information available is shown in the following table.
	
		
			   million 
			   Expenditure on dementia research 
			   Department( 1)  Medical Research Council  Total 
			 2002-03 1.6 6.6 8.2 
			 2003-04 1.1 7.4 8.5 
			 2004-05 19 6.2 25.2 
			 2005-06 18.3 6 24.3 
			 2006-07 22.8 6.4 29.2 
			 (1) Includes Dementia and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network spend of 0.4 million in 2005-06 and 1.8 million in 2006-07. 
		
	
	The Departmental figures for the years from 2002-03 to 2003-04 relate to national research programme expenditure on projects concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with dementia. They do not include the part of the research and development allocations made annually at that time to national health service providers and spent on dementia and other progressive neurodegenerative conditions research. That information was not collected prior to 2004-05.
	The Department does not collect expenditure data at the level that would be required to provide details of spend on particular dementia types. Details of individual projects supported in the NHS in the period in question can be found on the archived national research register at:
	https://portal.nihr.ac.uk/Pages/NRRArchiveSearch.aspx.
	The MRC awarded over 150 million to support research on neurodegenerative diseases between 2002 and 2006. Details of annual expenditure in this area is not currently available.

Dementia: Research

Angela Browning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration his Department has given to funding research into off-patent drug treatments for dementia.

Ben Bradshaw: A draft of a National Dementia Strategy was published on 19 June for consultation. The consultation closes on 11 September 2008 and we will carefully consider all the responses we receive before deciding the final shape of the National Strategy, and what resources are available to support its implementation. As part of this consultation we have invited views on a dementia research summit for funders, charities and industry to review how all parties can work together to deliver a programme of research into prevention, cause, cure and care and, separately, a review of the use of anti-psychotic drugs for people with dementia.

Dementia: Research

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department has spent on research into the causes and treatment of dementia in each of the last five years; and what the projected level of spending on such research is for the next three years.

Ben Bradshaw: Both the Department and the Medical Research Council support research into dementia. Annual expenditure figures are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Expenditure on dementia research 
			   million 
			   Department  Medical Research Council  Total 
			 2002-03 1.6 6.6 8.2 
			 2003-04 1.1 7.4 8.5 
			 2004-05 19 6.2 25.2 
			 2005-06 18.3 6 24.3 
			 2006-07 22.8 6.4 29.2 
		
	
	The departmental figures for the years from 2002-03 to 2003-04 relate to national research programme expenditure. They do not include the part of the research and development allocations made annually at that time to national health service providers and spent on dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions research. That information was not collected prior to 2004-05.
	Implementation of the Department's research strategy Best Research for Best Health is being managed by and through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and has resulted in an expansion of our research programmes and in significant new funding opportunities for health research. Awards are made after open, competitive, peer review. Future levels of expenditure on dementia will be determined by the success of relevant bids for NIHR funding. A number of those made over the last two years have already been successful.

Dental Services

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish his report on the future of NHS dentistry.

Ben Bradshaw: In order to identify and spread good practice the Department will evaluate how local commissioning is working in terms of the patient experienceboth access and quality of services, and the incentives it offers to increase access and encourage prevention and health promotion, as well as treatment. The Department will also set out a vision for national health service dentistry in five years time. The evaluation will take place over the next few months and will be completed by the end of the year.

Dental Services: Termination of Employment

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his latest estimate is of the  (a) gross and  (b) net number of dentists that have left the NHS since 1 April 2006.

Ben Bradshaw: The information requested is contained in NHS Dental Statistics for England: 2007-08 which has been placed in the Library.
	Following a recent consultation exercise on how to count the dental work force carried out by the NHS Information Centre, these figures are based on a revised methodology. The new measure of national health service dentists counts the number of dental performers with NHS activity recorded via FP17 claim forms in each year. The NHS Information Centre has published figures for the years ending 31 March 2007 and 2008.
	Dentists who had activity recorded against them via FP17 forms in a year, but none the following year are recorded as a leaver in their last year of activity. Information on the numbers of leavers is only available at present for 2006-07. Information on the number of leavers for 2007-08 will be available only after the end of 2008-09.
	The number of dentists who left the NHS in 2006-07 and those who joined the NHS in 2007-08 are available in Table 33 of the report. The numbers of dentists in 2006-07 and in 2007-08 and the difference between the two years are available in Table 32 of the report which is also available on the Information for Health and Social Care website at:
	www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dental0708

Dental Services: Video Conferencing

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make an assessment on the potential of video-conferencing to  (a) facilitate the deregulation of dental care and  (b) allow dental hygienists to deliver a greater proportion of treatment with remote diagnosis by dentists.

Ben Bradshaw: This is an interesting suggestion, which we will bring to the attention of the General Dental Council (GDC). The GDC is responsible for the regulation of dentists and dental care professionals (DCPs) including dental hygienists. The GDC's rules currently require that dental hygienists work to a treatment plan prepared by a dentist. However, in the spring, the GDC issued a consultation paper on the scope of practice of DCPs which invited comments on what additional training would be required to allow dental hygienists to see patients directly. The results of the consultation will be considered by a newly constituted GDC, which will be established in 2009.

Departmental Alcoholic Drinks

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what measures are in place in his Department to monitor expenditure on alcohol for hospitality purposes;
	(2)  what purchasing process is used by his Department for the procurement of alcohol for hospitality purposes.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department does not monitor expenditure on alcohol for hospitality purposes.

Departmental Buildings

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's policy is on improving the energy efficiency of the buildings which it  (a) rents and  (b) owns; what changes there have been in the energy efficiency of such buildings in the last (i) five and (ii) 10 years; and whether his Department has adopted targets on energy efficiency improvements in the buildings it occupies over the next (A) five and (B) 10 years.

Ben Bradshaw: This Department supports and aims to meet the Government's targets to reduce carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of the Government estate. While our energy efficiency (measured as consumption per m(2)) has reduced over the period, to date largely due to our policy of closing buildings and concentrating more staff in our remaining estate.
	We are committed to achieving the current Government targets to improve our energy efficiency by 15 per cent. by 2010, and 30 per cent. by 2020, relative to 1999-2000. We are working with the Carbon Trust to identify energy saving measures, and to implement a Carbon Management Programme throughout our core estate and in our arms length bodies.
	(i) The changes in energy efficiency of our buildings (measured in kWh per m(2)) since 1999-2000, which is the earliest year for which figures are available, are:
	
		
			  2006-07 
			   Per centage 
			 Gas/fuel oil -16 
			 Electricity +29 
			 Total +12 
		
	
	(ii) The change since 2002-03 is as follows:
	
		
			  2006-07 
			   P ercentage 
			 Gas +0.5 
			 Electricity +31.7 
			 Total +20.9

Departmental Buildings

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what account his Department takes of the level of energy efficiency of buildings before entering into agreements to  (a) rent and  (b) purchase those buildings.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department has not entered into any rental or purchase commitments for any buildings where it is responsible for energy efficiency within the last 20 years.
	In the event that the Department enters into any arrangements for a new purchase or rental, due diligence would be undertaken to ensure that the building and its fabric met criteria for energy efficient operation and that any Display Energy Certificate, DEC, (to be introduced from October 2008) was scrutinised.

Departmental Buildings

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which organisations have received  (a) free and  (b) discounted room hire from (i) his Department and (ii) its agencies in each of the last five years; and what the commercial value of the discount was in each case.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department and its agencies have not given any free or discounted room hire to non public or commercial organisations in the last five years. Rooms are however made available to other Government Departments and organisations in the public sector.

Departmental Cleaning Services

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which contractors his Department uses to undertake cleaning duties; and what the hourly rates of pay are for cleaners working in the Department.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department uses Resource as its cleaning contractor. Current hourly rates of pay for cleaning staff are as follows:
	
		
			per hour 
			 Cleaner part-time 5.52 
			 Cleaner full-time 6.00 
			 Supervisor part-time 6.30 
			 Supervisor full-time 8.25

Departmental Compensation

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the 10 highest payments made by his Department were under property compensation cases brought against it over the last 12 months for which figures are available; which of the cases were  (a) contested and  (b) uncontested by his Department; and what the nature of each incident was.

Ben Bradshaw: There have been two cases of property compensation made in 2006-07. This information has been extracted from the Department's Losses and Special Payments Register for which information was last available 2006-07 and shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Description  Number of cases  Value () 
			 Compensation payment to a member of staff after monies were stolen on DH premises. 1 170.00 
			 Compensation payment to a member of staff after damage to personal property on DH premises. 1 20.00 
			
			 Grand total 2 190.00 
		
	
	Neither case was contested.

Departmental ICT

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information technology projects initiated by his Department have been cancelled prior to completion in the last five years; and what the cost of each such project was to the public purse.

Ben Bradshaw: This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Information Officers

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost to his Department was of employing a press and media officer in 2007-08.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department's media centre employs members of staff at various grades from executive officer through to senior civil service 1 (salary scales given in the following table). The average cost of employing a member of staff in 2007-08, including salary, allowances, pension and national insurance contributions was 49,440.71. This is not an average salary figure, it is a figure that includes all of the extra costs to the Department on top of the salary.
	
		
			   
			   Minimum  Maximum 
			 Executive Officer 21,579 28,290 
			 Higher Executive Officer 26,781 35,687 
			 Senior Executive Officer 32,357 43,844 
			 Grade 7 42,755 58,982 
			 Grade 6 53,074 71,470 
			 Senior Civil Service 1 57,300 116,000

Departmental Internet

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 3 March 2008,  Official Report, column 900W, on departmental intranet, whether the individuals pictured on the green banner headings of his Department's webpages  (a) http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm,  (b) http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/index.htm,  (c) http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/index.htm,  (d) http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/index.htm and  (e ) http:www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/index.htm are employed by the NHS

Ben Bradshaw: Images from the following pages of the Department's website have been sourced as follows:
	 (a) htttp://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm(NHS and social care staff and service users)
	 (b) htttp://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/index.htm(Social care staff and care home resident)
	 (c) htttp://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/index.htm
	 (d) htttp://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/index.htm
	 (e) htttp://www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/index.htm
	The final three web pages contain images sourced from a commercial photographic library.
	We are unable to determine whether any of these individuals are employed by the NHS.

Departmental Managers

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 16 May 2008,  Official Report, column 1818W, on departmental managers, on what dates meetings of the national clinical directors have taken place in the last 12 months; and if he will place in the Library copies of the minutes of each meeting.

Ben Bradshaw: In the 12 months considered, the national clinical directors (NCDs) have had their monthly meetings on:
	15 May 2008;
	17 April 2008;
	13 March 2008;
	14 February 2008;
	17 January 2008;
	12 December 2007;
	13 November 2007;
	3 October 2007;
	21 September 2007;
	10 July 2007; and
	19 June 2007
	The NCDs did not meet during the month of August 2007.
	The monthly meeting of the NCDs is primarily for the NCDs to update each other on their activities and for them to be kept informed on policy developments within the Department. The minutes serve to inform those directors not present of the issues that were discussed. Placing full copies of the minutes of these meetings in the Library would inhibit future free and frank discussion of the directors. Summaries of the minutes of each of the last 12 month's meetings have been placed in the Library.

Departmental Overtime

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hours of overtime were worked by staff in each pay grade in his Department in each of the last 12 months.

Ben Bradshaw: The hours of overtime worked by staff in the Department staff in each of the last 12 months broken down by pay grade, are presented in the following table.
	
		
			   Grades  
			   AO  EO  HEO  FS  SEO  G7  G6  SCS  Total 
			  2007  
			 April 118 637 486 86 675 724 7  2,733 
			 May 50 531 325 315 1,196 661 57  3,134 
			 June 153 617 361 375 739 613 5 21 2,883 
			 July 55 599 426 261 566 659 35  2,600 
			 August 67 836 473 299 725 359 19 28 2,805 
			 September 101 217 233 50 347 141 28  1,117 
			 October 39 276 168 85 475 289 18 50 1,399 
			 November 93 533 614 289 528 324 37 47 2,464 
			 December 108 713 579 219 416 567 56 40 2,698 
			  2008  
			 January 159 538 577 292 425 362 81 60 2,493 
			 February 107 595 767 259 645 355 51 34 2,811 
			 March 40 475 459 111 475 97 102 57 1,816 
			 Grand total 1,088 6,567 5,467 2,640 7,210 5,151 493 336 28,952 
			  Key to abbreviations: AOAdministrative Officer EOExecutive Officer HEOHigher Executive Officer FSFast Stream SEOSenior Executive Officer G7Grade 7 G6Grade 6 SCSSenior Civil Service

Departmental Overtime

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost of overtime payments paid to staff in his Department was in each of the last 12 months, broken down by pay grade.

Ben Bradshaw: The costs in pounds of overtime payments to staff in Department for each of the last 12 months, broken down by pay grade, are presented in the following table.
	
		
			   Grade  
			   AO  EO  HEO  FS  SEO  G7  G6  SCS  Total 
			  2007  
			 April 1,366 10,258 7,498 1,144 10,801 14,869 181  46,116 
			 May 647 8,723 5,254 4,296 17,554 11,499 1,361  49,334 
			 June 1,748 9,761 5,592 5,024 11,918 13,355 199 556 48,153 
			 July 708 10,130 6,444 3,585 8,252 11,152 875  41,146 
			 August 837 13,779 7,403 4,210 12,371 6,277 426 894 46,198 
			 September 1,335 3,480 3,489 717 5,452 2,717 841  18,030 
			 October 543 5,057 2,688 1,111 8,075 5,504 393 1,462 24,833 
			 November 1,202 8,934 8,936 4,395 9,563 5,790 1,305 1,341 41,467 
			 December 1,414 12,284 8,237 3,438 6,900 10,021 1,303 1,158 44,754 
			  2008  
			 January 2,135 8,901 8,324 4,459 6,846 8,606 2,748 1,694 43,712 
			 February 1,481 9,825 12,294 3,980 10,732 7,025 1,513 988 47,838 
			 March 477 8,205 6,338 1,693 8,773 1,851 3,309 2,376 33,022 
			 Total 13,893 109,337 82,496 38,052 117,238 98,666 14,453 10,469 484,606 
			  Key to grade abbreviations: AOAdministrative Officer EOExecutive Officer HEOHigher Executive Officer FSFast Stream SEOSenior Executive Officer G7Grade 7 G6Grade 6 SCSSenior Civil Service

Departmental Paper

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of paper used  (a) for photocopying and  (b) in printed publications by his Department was from recycled sources in each of the last two years.

Ben Bradshaw: For photocopying purposes the Department uses 100 per cent. recycled paper.
	For printed publications use of recycled paper accounts for 50 per cent. of the paper used.

Departmental Pay

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was claimed in reimbursable expenses by press officers in his Department and its agencies in each of the last three financial years.

Ben Bradshaw: The amount claimed in reimbursable expenses by Departmental press officers in each of the last three financial years is detailed in the following table.
	
		
			   Amount claimed () 
			 2005-06 5,046.98 
			 2006-07 3,329.47 
			 2007-08 2,495.45 
		
	
	Figures for the amount claimed by agencies are not held centrally.

Departmental Postal Services

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department has taken to monitor the cost of its mail services in the last 12 months.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department monitors the cost of its email services using the Royal Mail Online Business Account.

Departmental Procurement

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's policy is on requesting discounts from its suppliers in return for swift payment of invoices.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department's standard terms and conditions state that the contractor shall be paid monthly in arrears within 30 days upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice. The Department does not have a standard policy regarding discounts for early payments.

Departmental Public Participation

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what  (a) listening exercises and  (b) public forums his Department has held in each of the last two years; and what the (i) purpose, (ii) cost, (iii) private contractor and (iv) amount paid to the private contractor was in each case.

Ben Bradshaw: This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Sick Leave

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average length of single periods of sick leave taken by staff in  (a) his Department,  (b) its agencies and  (c) the non-departmental bodies for which it has responsibility was in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The average length of single periods of sick leave, in days, for the Department and its agencies in each of the last three years are presented in the following table.
	
		
			  Days 
			  Organisation  2007-08  2006-07  2005-06 
			 Department of Health 4.03 5.84 6.73 
			 NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency 2.76 4.25 6.55 
			 Medicines and Healthcare products Regulation Agency 4.55 3.83 4.00 
		
	
	Information is not available before 2005. Cabinet Office reporting changed from calendar years to financial years between 2005 and 2006.
	Providing information for the other bodies reporting to the Department would incur disproportionate costs.

Departmental Sick Pay

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was paid in sick pay to staff in  (a) his Department,  (b) its agencies and  (c) the non-departmental bodies for which it has responsibility in each of the last five years; what proportion of the staffing expenditure of each body this figure represented in each such year; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Estimates of the amounts paid in sick pay to staff in the Department and its agencies in the last three years, and the proportion of staffing expenditure this represents for each body, are presented in the following table.
	
		
			   Department of Health  Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency  NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency 
			   Sick pay ()  Proportion (percentage) of staffing expenditure  Sick pay ()  Proportion (percentage) of staffing expenditure  Sick pay ()  Proportion (percentage) of staffing expenditure 
			 2007-08 2,386,000 2.36 1,166,000 3.07 212,000 2.09 
			 2006-07 2,926,000 2.89 1,116,000 2.93 249,000 2.44 
			 2005 3,151,000 3.11 490,000 1.29 701,000 6.89 
			  Notes: 1. The figures for 2007-08 are based on the average number of working days lost per member of staff due to sickness absence in that year, the average salary of staff at the middle of the year (September 2007) and the number of staff at the middle of the year (September 2007). Figures for 2006-07 and 2005 use the same average salaries and numbers of staff, but actual working days lost for the year in question. The use of average salaries will overestimate payments and expenditure since more senior (more highly paid) staff take less sickness absence than more junior (lower paid) staff, based on analysis of absence by grade in 2007-08. 2. The change from calendar years to financial years between 2005 and 2006 represents a change in Cabinet Office sickness absence reporting periods. Information is not available for years before 2005. 3. Providing information for other bodies reporting to the Department would incur disproportionate costs.

Departmental Telephone Services

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what  (a) 0800,  (b) 0845 and  (c) 0870 telephone numbers for the public are in use by (i) his Department and (ii) agencies which report to his Department.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department runs or supports the following lines, using the  (a) 0800,  (b) 0845 telephone numbers for the public. This corrects the information given in written answers to the hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Julia Goldsworthy) on 17 December 2007,  Official Report, column 1206W, and to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Rob Marris) on 28 January 2008,  Official Report, columns 109-10W.
	
		
			   Telephone number 
			 Asian Tobacco Helpline 08001690881 
			 Asian Tobacco Helpline 08001690882 
			 Asian Tobacco Helpline 08001690883 
			 Asian Tobacco Helpline 08001690884 
			 Asian Tobacco Helpline 08001690885 
			 Asian Tobacco Helpline 08001690886 
			 British Heart Foundation (Tobacco) 08001691900 
			 Drinkline 08009178282 
			 Drinkline 08006781110 
			 Drinkline 08007076336 
			 Drinkline 08008766622 
			 Drinkline 08008766776 
			 Drinkline 08008766778 
			 FRANK 0800776600 
			 FRANK Minicom 08009178765 
			 Hepatitis C Line 08000850859 
			 Hepatitis C Line 0800451451 
			 DDSHL Helpline 2007 08000121636 
			 DDSHL Helpline 2007 08000121737 
			 Pregnancy Smoking Helpline 08001699169 
			 Sexual Health Line 0800567123 
			 Sexual Health Line Minicom 0800521361 
			 Sexwise 0800282930 
			 Smoking Helpline 08001690169 
			 Smoking Helpline 08009176699 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000327252 
			 Smoking Helpline 08001691236 
			 Smoking Helpline 0800884411 
			 Smoking Helpline 08001695262 
			 Smoking Helpline 08005975976 
			 Smoking Helpline 08001691697 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000665623 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000665552 
			 Smoking Helpline Minicom 08001690171 
			 Smoking Helpline 08001690256 
			 Smoking Helpline 08005975976 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000665552 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000665598 
			 Smoking Helpline 08001691236 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000327252 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000854413 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000854489 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000854564 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000121551 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000121612 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000855076 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000854332 
			 Smoking Helpline 08000855052 
			   
			 EHIC Order Line 08456050707 
			 EHIC enquiry line 08456062030 
			 Healthy Start 08456076823 
			 Healthy Start Minicom 08456017698 
			 Social Work and Care Careers Recruitment Line 08456046404 
			 Social Work and Care Careers Recruitment Minicom 08456016121 
		
	
	The Department ran the following non-revenue generating lines, using  (c) 0870 numbers. While they were mainly for the use of national health service and social services professionals, there was some use by the public. Since May 2008, these services have been available via 0300 numbers but the 0870 numbers need to be maintained until the end of March 2009 to allow for the transition.
	
		
			   Telephone number 
			 DH Publication Orderline 08701 555 455 
			 DH Publication Orderline minicom 08700 102 870 
		
	
	 (a) 0800,  (b) 0845 and  (c) 0870 telephone numbers for the public administered by (ii) agencies which report to the Department.
	The Department's Executive agencies, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency have no 0800, 0845 or 0870 numbers for use by the public.
	The Department has 25 arms length bodies and a number of national programmes e.g. NHS Employers. Information about telephone services for these bodies is not held centrally and cannot be provided except at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Visits Abroad

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost was of overseas visits made by members of staff in his Department in each of the last three years.

Ben Bradshaw: The total cost of overseas visits made by members of staff of the Department in the last three years have been:
	
		
			   
			 2006 1,044,298.67 
			 2007 722,803.56 
			 2008 699,189.50.

Disabled

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what proportion of staff in  (a) his Department and  (b) the executive agencies for which he is responsible are disabled; and what the average salary in his (i) Department and (ii) executive agencies is of (A) full-time disabled staff, (B) full-time non-disabled staff, (C) part-time disabled staff and (D) part-time non-disabled staff.

Ben Bradshaw: The numbers and proportions of staff in the Department and its agencies who are disabled are presented in the following table:
	
		
			   Number  Proportion (percentage) 
			 Department of Health 110 5.9 
			 Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency 10 1.6 
			 NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA)  1.3 
		
	
	The figures in the table are taken from information published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) as at 30 September 2007. They exclude people who have not declared their disability status. A number is not quoted for PASA because it was less than five; the proportion is therefore based on a maximum number of four.
	The median salaries of full-time disabled staff, full-time non-disabled staff, part-time disabled staff and part-time non-disabled staff are presented in the following table:
	
		
			   
			   Full-time disabled  Full-time non-disabled  Part-time disabled  Part-time non-disabled 
			 Department of Health 35,360 39,240 30,670 37,400 
			 Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency 41,280 33,340  38,230 
			 NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency  34,840  32,550 
		
	
	These figures are also taken from ONS information as at 30 September 2007. They exclude people who have not declared their disability status. Salaries are not quoted where there were less than five people in the category.
	The civil service is committed to reflecting the society it serves, at all levels, including disabled people. The recently published Promoting Equality, Valuing DiversityA Strategy for the Civil Service builds on what has already been achieved and sets out what the civil service wants to achieve in equality and diversity in employment over the next three to five years. It also provides a framework against which Departments and agencies will take actions.
	Reward arrangements below the senior civil service (SCS) are delegated to individual Departments and agencies. For the SCS, Departments and agencies are responsible for their own reward arrangements within a framework set by Cabinet Office. Departments and agencies are responsible for equality proofing their own reward systems.
	Due to the self-reporting nature of disability and the relatively large proportion of civil servants whose disability status is unknown or undeclared, care should be exercised when drawing conclusions based on these statistics.
	Extreme care should also be exercised when making comparisons of salaries between part-time and full-time disabled and non-disabled staff. For example, a simple comparison of median salary by disability status and working pattern does not take account of the different responsibility levels of the individuals concerned. Therefore, any meaningful comparison should take account of these compositional differences.

Drugs: Misuse

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many people were discharged from treatment for drug misuse in England categorised as  (a) treatment completed drug free,  (b) treatment completed not drug free,  (c) dropped out,  (d) referred to other treatment,  (e) individual entered prison,  (f) individual died and  (g) reason not known in each year from 2003-04 to 2007-08;
	(2)  how many individuals discharged from treatment for drug misuse in England on the grounds that they completed treatment drug free in  (a) 2003-04,  (b) 2004-05,  (c) 2005-06,  (d) 2006-07 and  (e) 2007-08 subsequently re-entered treatment for drug misuse.

Ben Bradshaw: The following table shows the number of individuals discharged from structured treatment for drug misuse, by discharge reason, for the period 2004-05 to 2006-07.
	
		
			   2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			  Discharge reason( 1)  Percentage  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage  Number 
			 Treatment completed drug free 6.5 3,632 7.2 4,559 8.8 5,829 
			 Treatment completed 13.8 7,656 16.8 10,662 19.7 13,022 
			 Treatment completedreferred 8.1 4,516 10 6,348 13.1 8,662 
			
			 Total successful discharges 28.4 15,804 33.9 21,569 41.6 27,513 
			 Dropped out/left 43.1 23,955 41.1 26,136 35.8 23,646 
			 Prison 4.4 2,441 5.5 3,486 6.2 4,069 
			 Treatment declined by client   0.3 190 1.2 792 
			 Treatment withdrawn/breach of contract 5.3 2,947 4.4 2,766 3.6 2,357 
			 Moved away 2.6 1,448 2.4 1,521 2.7 1,772 
			 Died 1.1 602 0.8 514 1.0 633 
			 Inappropriate referral   1.2 759 1 646 
			 No appropriate treatment available 1.3 695 6.1 3,863 4.3 2,816 
			 Other 7.9 4,383 3.7 2,376 2.4 1,556 
			 Not known 3 1,661 0.1 57 0.4 266 
			 Not recorded (data missing) 2.9 1,624 0.5 297 0.1 57 
			
			 Total discharged  55,560  63,534  66,123 
			 (1) Discharge reasons are taken from the NDTMS statistical release 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007. Data on individuals in structured drug and alcohol treatment are collected by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) via the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS), using the following definitions: 'Treatment completed drug free' refers to an individual, who the treatment provider believes has completed their treatment no longer dependent on their drug of misuse and is not using any other illegal drugs. 'Treatment completed' refers to an individual, who the treatment provider believes has completed their treatment no longer dependent on their drug of misuse, but who may be using drugs in a non-dependent way. 'Treatment completedreferred' refers to an individual who, on completion of a Tier 3 or 4 service, is transferred to a Tier 2 service or support services such as housing support or employment support. 
		
	
	Substance misuse treatment is grouped into four tiers by the NTA, which reflect the increasing intensities of the treatment. Tier 1 refers to services provide by non-specialist drug services, e.g. accident and emergency departments and social care agencies. Tier 2 refers to open-access drug treatment and does not always include a care plan. Tier 3 refers to treatment, with a structured care plan, taken in the community and Tier 4 refers to residential drug treatment.
	Figures for 2003-04 have not been provided due to data quality reasons. The current NDTMS data collection began in April 2004 and although some data were collected retrospectively for the period 2003-04 they are thought to be incomplete. Figures for 2007/08 will be published later this year.
	Information on the number of individuals who have re-entered structured treatment, after having been discharged from structured treatment for drug misuse on the grounds that they had completed their treatment drug free is not held centrally by the Department. A copy will be placed in the Library shortly.

Drugs: Rehabilitation

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department spent on the psycho-social element of the integrated drug treatment system in  (a) 2006-07 and  (b) 2007-08; and what the projected expenditure is expected to be in 2008-09.

David Hanson: I have been asked to reply.
	Psychosocial elements of the integrated drug treatment system (IDTS) are funded by the Ministry of Justice.
	The following was spent by prisons on implementing psychosocial elements of IDTS:
	 (a) 2006-07: 865,000, with an additional 1 million spent on refurbishments/equipment upgrades prerequisite to the delivery of IDTS services.
	 (b) 2007-08: 4.785 million, with an additional 742,000 spent on refurbishments/equipment upgrades prerequisite to the delivery of IDTS services.
	I anticipate that the full allocation of 6 million will be spent in 2008-09.

Family Planning: Yorkshire and the Humber

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many family planning clinics there were in the  (a) Hull,  (b) the East Riding of Yorkshire,  (c) North Lincolnshire and  (d) North East Lincolnshire local authority area for each of the last 10 years.

Dawn Primarolo: This information is not collected centrally. It is the responsibility of individual primary care trusts to decide upon the appropriate level of provision for the communities they serve.

General Practitioners

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on which dates each Minister in his Department has met representatives of general practitioners in the last 12 months.

Ben Bradshaw: Health Ministers met with general practitioner representatives during the last 12 months as follows:
	
		
			  Date  Meeting 
			  Right hon. Alan Johnson MPSecretary of State for Health  
			 17 July 2007 Met Dr. Hamish Meldrum, Chair of the British Medical Association 
			 24 July 2007 Met Dr. Mike Dixon, Chair and Mike Sobanja, Chief Executive Officer, of the NHS Alliance 
			 8 November 2007 Met Dr. Laurence Buckman, Chair of the General Practitioners Committee, British Medical Association 
			 23 November 2007 Attended the NHS Alliance Annual Conference 
			 7 February 2008 Met Dr. Hamish Meldrum, Chair of the British Medical Association 
			 27 February 2008 Met Dr. Laurence Buckman, Chair of the General Practitioners Committee, British Medical Association 
			 5 March 2008 Attended the launch of Healthcare Professionals' Consensus Statement at the Royal College of General Practitioners 
			 13 May 2008 Attended the British Medical Association Dinner 
			 19 June 2008 Met Dr. Hamish Meldrum, Chair of the British Medical Association 
			 23 June 2008 Met Dr. Hamish Meldrum, Chair of the British Medical Association 
			   
			  Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham KBEParliamentary Under-Secretary of State  
			 4 July 2007 Meeting with stakeholders (including representatives from the British Medical Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners) 
			 18 July 2007 Meeting with the Royal College of General Practitioners 
			 19 July 2007 Meeting with the British Medical Association 
			 26 July 2007 Meeting with National Stakeholder Forum (including the British Medical Association, the Royal college of General Practitioners and the NHS Alliance) 
			 31 July 2007 Meeting with the British Medical Association 
			 5 September 2007 Meeting of the Social Partnership Forum (including the British Medical Association) 
			 6 September 2007 Meeting with the NHS Alliance 
			 11 October 2007 Meeting with the British Medical Association 
			 18 October 2007 Meeting of the Social Partnership Forum (including the British Medical Association) 
			 26 November 2007 Dinner with the Royal Colleges (including the Royal College of General Practitioners) 
			 29 November 2007 Meeting with the NHS Alliance 
			 29 November 2007 Meeting with the National Stakeholder Forum (including the British Medical Association, the Royal College of General Practitioners and the NHS Alliance) 
			 22 January 2008 Dinner with primary care colleagues (including the NHS Alliance, the Royal College of General Practitioners and the National Association of Primary Care) 
			 6 February 2008 Meeting of the Primary and Community Care Advisory Board 
			 7 February 2008 Meeting with the NHS Alliance 
			 21 February 2008 Meeting of the Social Partnership Forum 
			 4 March 2008 Dinner with the Royal College of General Practitioners 
			 11 March 2008 Meeting with the British Medical Association 
			 12 March 2008 Meeting with the Royal Colleges (including the Royal College of General Practitioners) 
			 12 March 2008 Meeting of the National Association of Primary Care Members Forum 
			 18 March 2008 Meeting with the British Medical Association 
			 1 May 2008 Meeting with the British Medical Association 
			 8 May 2008 Meeting with stakeholders (including the British Medical Association, Royal College of General Practitioner, NHS Alliance and National Association of Primary Care) 
			 13 May 2008 Speech to the National Association of Primary Care Spring Conference 
			 13 May 2008 Attended the British Medical Association Annual Dinner 
			 21 May 2008 Meeting with the Royal Colleges (including the Royal College of General Practitioners) 
			 11 June 2008 Meeting with the National Association of Primary Care 
			 12 June 2008 Meeting with the Royal College of General Practitioners 
			 12 June 2008 Meeting with the NHS Alliance 
			 19 June 2008 Meeting with the British Medical Association 
			 25 June 2008 Meeting with the British Medical Association 
			 9 July 2008 Meeting with the National Association of Primary Care Members' Forum 
			 10 July 2008 Meeting of the National Stakeholder Forum (includes the British Medical Association, the Royal College of General Practitioners and the NHS Alliance) 
			   
			  Mr. Ben Bradshaw MPMinister of State  
			 3 July 2007 Dinner with GPs on Practice Based Commissioning 
			 13 September 2007 Attended the launch of the NHS Alliance's document Practice Based Commissioningearly success, early lessons 
			 11 October 2007 Meeting with the British Medical Association (with Lord Darzi) 
			 18 October 2007 Attended the National Association of Primary Care Conference 2007 
			 16 October 2007 Meeting with Primary Care StakeholdersDr. James Kingsland, Chair of the National Association of Primary Care 
			 8 November 2007 Meeting with NHS Alliance Practice Managers 
			 21 November 2007 Introductory meeting with Dr. Laurence Buckman, Chair of the General Practitioners Committee, British Medical Association 
			 6 December 2007 Met Dr. Michael Dixon, Chair of the NHS Alliance 
			 6 February 2008 Chaired Jointly with Lord Darzi the Primary and Community Care Advisory Board 
			 7 February 2008 Attended the Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health (with Dr. Michael Dixon, Trustee of the Prince's Foundation and Chair of the NHS Alliance) 
			 27 February 2008 Meeting with the National Association of Primary Care Practice Managers 
			 1 April 2008 Meeting of the Primary and Community Care Advisory Board 
			 14 April 2008 Joint visit with Alan Johnson to the College Surgery Partnership hosted by Dr. Michael Dixon, Chair of the NHS Alliance 
			 13 May 2008 Meeting of the Primary and Community Care Advisory Board 
			 13 May 2008 Attended the British Medical Association Dinner 
			 21 May 2008 Attended the British Medical Association Spring Reception 
			 2 June 2008 Meeting with Primary and Community Care Strategy stakeholders 
			 19 June 2008 Visit to Sturminster Newton Practice meeting: Dr. Matthew Cripps, Senior Partner; Dr. Elizabeth Burton, Partner; Jane Dawes, Practice Manager; along with Anne Thomas, Chair of Dorset Primary Care Trust; Robin Smith, Interim Chief Executive of Dorset Primary Care Trust; and Claire Warner, Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Dorset Primary Care Trust 
			 9 July 2008 Attended the Primary and Community Care Strategy Advisory Board reception 
			 23 July Meeting in Dan Norris' constituency with general practitioners to discuss their concerns about the future of General Practice from the hours issue, to Polyclinics 
			   
			  Right hon. Dawn Primarolo MPMinister of State  
			 21 November 2007 Meeting with Stakeholders on New Infant Formula and Follow on Formula (Royal College of General Practitioners represented) 
			 20 February 2008 Met Dr. Vivienne Nathanson, Director of Professional Activity at the British Medical Association 
			 13 May 2008 Attended the British Medical Association Annual Dinner 
			   
			  Ms Ann Keen MPParliamentary Under Secretary of State  
			  Meets every month with the British Medical Association as part of the Social Partnership Forum 
			 10 May 2008 Attended a dinner with Bangladeshi general practitioners 
			 23 May 2008 Met general practitioners with the Prime Minister 
			   
			  Mr. Ivan Lewis MPParliamentary Under-Secretary of State  
			 30 January 2008 Meeting with the British Medical Association 
			 12 March 2008 With Lord Darzi, met with all the Medical Royal Colleges to discuss the NHS Constitution (Royal College of General Practitioners were present) 
			 22 April 2008 Meeting with the British Medical Association 
			 13 May 2008 Attended the NHS Confederation and British Medical Association Annual Dinner

General Practitioners

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what incentives there are for general practitioners to set up practices in deprived areas under each of the primary medical services contracts.

Ben Bradshaw: Under the national General Medical Services contract general practitioner practices are intended to receive income based on a weighted capitation, needs-based formula. However, the impact of the minimum practice income guarantee negates much of the agreed equitable funding incentive that rewards practices based on patients needs. That is why we remain committed to delivering a fair funding system to all primary medical care contractors.
	Under other local primary medical care contracts (Personal Medical Services, Alternative Provider Medical Services and Primary Care Trust Medical Services) PCTs have more flexibility to negotiate and agree locally funding arrangements that better match patient needs and resourcing to ensure the services provided meet those needs. Guidance to PCTs makes it clear however that they must contract with all providers on a fair and equitable basis.

General Practitioners: Finance

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the minimum practice income guarantee cost in  (a) cash and  (b) real terms in current prices in each year since 2004; what plans he has for the future of the guarantee; what assessment he has made of its effects on funding levels in deprived areas; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The table shows spend on the minimum practice income guarantee (MPIG) since 2004-05 in cash and at current year's prices.
	
		
			  Minimum practice income guarantee spend 
			  000 
			  Financial year  Cash  Real terms 
			 2004-05 327,978 364,777 
			 2005-06 328,315 357,469 
			 2006-07 322,291 341,628 
			 2007-08 327,615 337,443 
		
	
	NHS Employers are currently discussing with the BMA's General Practitioners Committee how best to achieve and implement a more equitable funding system for the provision of primary medical care services. These discussions include the possible timescale for, and any funding that may be needed to support, the phasing out of the MPIG.
	The impact of MPIG on funding levels in deprived areas has been considered within the assessment of general practitioner contract reform within the Primary and Community Care Strategy. This assessment has not been published as contract negotiations are ongoing. Moving to a fair and equitable weighted capitation formula will ensure more resources are allocated to practices based on the needs of the patients they are responsible for.

General Practitioners: Manpower

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average number of general practitioners per 100,000 population was in each primary care trust, in each of the last five years, broken down by index of deprivation decile.

Ben Bradshaw: The average number of general practitioners per 100,000 population in each primary care trust in each of the last five years is in the table which has been placed in the Library. The information requested is not available broken down by index of deprivation decile.

General Practitioners: Pharmacy

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will visit the village of Farningham in Kent to discuss with residents his proposals regarding dispensing doctors.

Dawn Primarolo: My right hon. Friend has no plans to visit Farningham.
	The White Paper Pharmacy in England: Building on Strengthsdelivering the future (cm 7341) promised to consult further on a number of proposals.
	The consultation Building on Strengthsdelivering the futureproposals for legislative change began on 27 August 2008 and provides everyone with an opportunity to contributepatients, the NHS, contractors and healthcare professionals alike. Any final decisions will be taken in the light of the responses and the feedback received. The consultation, together with the relevant impact assessments, is available on the Department's website at
	www.dh.gov.uk/LiveConsultations.
	The consultation ends on 20 November 2008.
	It would not be appropriate to discuss possible outcomes until that consultation has ended. However, I hope the residents of Farningham will contribute to the consultation process.
	The hon. Member's constituents may also wish to know that the Department will be holding listening events in October and these will be announced shortly.

General Practitioners: Pharmacy

John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether it is his policy that GP practices with dispensaries will be required to re-apply for permission for their dispensaries to continue;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy to ensure that GP dispensaries with a pharmacy within one mile will be permitted to continue to have their dispensaries.

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for health what assessment he has made of the likely effects of the removal of the one mile rule on the number of  (a) dispensing doctors and  (b) patients able to fulfil prescriptions at dispensing doctors' practices.

Ben Bradshaw: The White Paper Pharmacy in England: Building on Strengthsdelivering the future promised to consult further on a number of proposals. Building on Strengthsdelivering the futureproposals for legislative change was published on 27 August 2008.
	As part of this consultation, we have put forward options for possible reform of general practitioner dispensing arrangements on which we are seeking views. We have no preferred option at this stage nor have we come to a view as to whether any reform of these particular arrangements is necessary. The accompanying impact assessments to the consultation document consider the likely effects of each of these options.

General Practitioners: Surgery

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of general practitioners are accredited to carry out minor surgery.

Ben Bradshaw: This information is not held centrally.

General Practitioners: Surgery

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of general practitioners carried out minor surgery in the latest period for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: This information is not held centrally.

Hazardous Substances: Screening

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will consider introducing mandatory post-mortem tests for  (a) carbon monoxide poisoning and  (b) poisoning by toxins resulting from the products of combustion.

Bridget Prentice: I have been asked to reply.
	Coroners, who are independent judicial office holders, are required to investigate all deaths where the cause of death is believed to be violent, unnatural or a sudden death of unknown cause. Coroners have the power, under the Coroners Act 1988, to order both post mortem examinations and special examinations (including histopathology and toxicology), as and when they consider it necessary, in order to establish the cause of death. It is for the coroner to decide whether tests for carbon monoxide poisoning and poisoning by toxins resulting from the products of combustion would be justified in the light of the available facts in each individual case.

Health Centres

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when a patient is treated in a GP-led health centre without being registered there, by what mechanism the centre will be paid for that patient's treatment.

Ben Bradshaw: This is a local contractual matter for each primary care trust, who have been advised to make payments on a similar basis to that whereby existing general practitioner practices receive funding for treating such patients e.g. based on the volume of patients treated at a fixed price.

Health Services

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the evidential basis is for the statement that there is significant variation in practice in care relating to  (a) cataracts,  (b) fractured neck of femur,  (c) cholecystectomy and  (d) stroke care, as referred to on page 55 of High Quality Care for All, Cm 7432.

Ben Bradshaw: Evidence gathered by the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement and published as part of its Focus on High Volume Care series shows that there is a significant variation in practice in care for these four areas. A copy of the NHS Institute's latest report Focus on High Volume Care: Update has been placed in the Library.

Health Visitors

Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department provides to primary care trusts on  (a) the recommended caseload levels of health visitors and ( b) the timing and frequency of visits made by health visitors to families with children under the age of five.

Ben Bradshaw: There are no central recommendations for health visitor caseloads. While the updated Child Health Promotion Programme, launched on 17 March 2008, identifies health visitors as the lead practitioners in promoting the health of children below the age of five, it is for local commissioners to commission services according to local needs. There is no central guidance about numbers of health visitors or about the timing and frequency of visits in different circumstances.

Hearing Aids: Children

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children were fitted with bone anchored hearing aids in 2007.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department does not hold this information.

Hearing Aids: Kent

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 6 March 2008,  Official Report, column 2734W, on hearing aids: waiting times, what the average waiting time for all audiological assessments, including assessment for digital hearing aids, has been in  (a) West Kent and  (b) Eastern and Coastal Kent Teaching Primary Care Trust area in the period since 1st January 2008.

Ben Bradshaw: The following table shows the average (median) waiting times for all audiological assessments, including assessment for digital hearing aids, in West Kent Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Eastern and Coastal Kent Teaching PCT areas in each month from January to June 2008, which is the most recent information available.
	
		
			  Average (median) wait, in weeks, for audiological assessment, January to June 2008. 
			  PCT  January  February  March  April  May  June 
			 West Kent 17.2 15.7 5.6 2.4 2.5 3.4 
			 Eastern and Coastal Kent Teaching 48.8 41.2 4.3 2.6 4.1 3.4 
			  Source:  Department of Health form DM01 - Diagnostic Monthly.

Hospitals: Parking

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of ending charges for car parking at all NHS hospitals in England.

Ben Bradshaw: No estimate has been made of the cost to the national health service of ending charges for car parking at all NHS hospitals. In England, hospital car parking charges are decided locally by individual trusts to cover the cost of running and maintaining a car park. If charges were not imposed, such costs would need to be funded from resources currently used to provide healthcare to patients.
	All trusts should have exemption and concessionary schemes in place to ensure that patients and carers who visit hospital regularly are not disadvantaged. They should also have sustainable public transport plans in place for staff and visitors.

Human Papilloma Virus: Vaccination

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what breakdown in points allocation was awarded to  (a) Gardasil and  (b) Cervarix under the criteria and weighting system for evaluation of the contract to supply a human papilloma virus vaccine.

Ben Bradshaw: The points allocated to Gardasil and Cervarix under the award criteria for the Human Papillomavirus vaccine are commercial-in-confidence. I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, North (Dr. Gibson), on 16 July 2008,  Official Report, column 531W, which outlines the award criteria and their weightings for this contract.

Independent Reconfiguration Panel

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many reports his Department has commissioned from the Independent Reconfiguration Panel in the last 12 months; and in what percentage of these cases the Panel made recommendations which differed from the proposals being made by the relevant NHS trust.

Ben Bradshaw: Between September 2007 and September 2008, the Secretary of State asked the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) to review the following referrals from local Overview and Scrutiny Committees:
	
		
			  Referral  Date published 
			 Sandwell and West Birmingham 18 December 2007 
			 West Kent 18 December 2007 
			 West Suffolk 6 February 2008 
			 North Oxfordshire 20 March 2008 
			 Scarborough and North East Yorkshire 21 July 2008 
			 Bridlington 4 September 2008 
			 East Sussex 4 September 2008 
			 Barnet, Enfield and Haringey 4 September 2008 
		
	
	Of these, the IRP supported proposals for changes in all cases with the exception of East Sussex and North Oxfordshire.

Independent Reconfiguration Panel

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times he has not accepted a recommendation from the Independent Reconfiguration Panel since the panel's establishment.

Ben Bradshaw: There have been no occasions where the Secretary of State has chosen not to accept the Independent Reconfiguration Panel's recommendations.

Ipsos MORI

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 9 July 2008,  Official Report, column 1706W, on Ipsos MORI, if he will place in the Library copies of the  (a) Stakeholder Research Programme,  (b) Public Perceptions of the NHS July 2007,  (c) Qualitative Research into Access to GP Practices,  (d) GP Satisfaction Among Ethnic Minority Groups,  (e) Senior Stakeholder Survey (Quantitative),  (f) Long-term Health Conditions,  (g) Public Perceptions of the NHS, December 2007,  (h) Patient Experience Survey - Pilot Study and  ( i ) Public Perceptions of the NHS March 2008 reports.

Ben Bradshaw: The following reports have been placed in the Library:
	GP Satisfaction Among Ethnic Minority Groups (title at publication: Report on Self Reported Experience of Patients from Black and Minority Ethnic Groups);
	Patient Experience Survey - Pilot Study; and
	Long-term Health Conditions (title at publication: Self Care: A National View in 2007 Compared to 2004-05)
	The Department will place a copy of the following reports in the Library in the next 12 months:
	Stakeholder Research Programme and Senior Stakeholder Survey (Quantitative).
	The reports Public Perceptions of the NHS July 2007, Public Perceptions of the NHS December 2007 and Public Perceptions of the NHS March 2008 will be published as part of the Department's Freedom of Information publication scheme. These reports will be placed in the Library on publication.
	The project Qualitative Research into Access to GP Practices was mistakenly listed as a report in the answer of 9 July 2008,  Official Report, column 1706W. This was, in fact, a series of workshops delivered by Ipsos MORI.

Ipsos MORI

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 9 July 2008,  Official Report, column 1706W, on Ipsos MORI, how much was paid to Ipsos MORI for each report.

Ben Bradshaw: The following amounts were paid to Ipsos MORI:
	
		
			 
			 Access to Primary Care Tracker Wave 18 June 2007 19,120 
			 Stakeholder Research Programme July 2007 39,680 
			 Pandemic flu public engagement and research reports (total) July 2007 - May 2008 118,000 
			 NHS Desk Research Insight Project August 2007 43,160 
			 Public Perceptions of the NHS July 2007 August 2007 41,122 
			 Qualitative Research into Access to GP Practices September 2007 45,000 
			 Access to Primary Care Tracker Wave 19 October 2007 27,400 
			 Practice based commissioning: GP practice survey wave 1 October 2007 52,875 
			 Choice Omnibus Survey November 2007 7,300 
			 GP Satisfaction Among Ethnic Minority Groups November 2007 17,000 
			 Senior Stakeholder Survey (Quantitative) November 2007 51,959 
			 Long-Term Health Conditions December 2007 40,666.67 
			 NHS Choices evaluation - public tracker survey (benchmark and one tracker) January 2008 121,000 
			 Public Perceptions of the NHS, December 2007 January 2008 42,372 
			 Practice based commissioning: GP practice survey wave 2 January 2008 45,355 
			 Access to Primary Care Tracker Wave 20 March 2008 29,600 
			 Patient Experience Survey - Pilot Study March 2008 64,598 
			 Practice based commissioning: GP practice survey wave 3 April 2008 45,300(1) 
			 NHS Staff Survey Analysis May 2008 49,960 
			 Patient Choice Omnibus May 2008 14,600 
			 Public Perceptions of the NHS March 2008 May 2008 40,372 
			 (1) Estimated

IVF

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cycles of in vitro fertilisation treatments each primary care trust offered at the latest date for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: In autumn 2007, the Department carried out a survey of each primary care trust in England to establish the level of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) provision. A report of the survey was published on 23 June 2008 and a copy has been placed in the Library.
	The report can also be found on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_085665

Lasers: Injuries

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many injuries were sustained from Class 3b and 4 lasers and intense light sources in each of the last five years.

Ben Bradshaw: The following table represents adverse events from laser and intense light sources that have been reported to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) between 1 January 2003 and the 5 September 2008
	
		
			   Laser 3B  Laser 4  Intense Light Source 
			 2008 (to date) 12 15 1 
			 2007 18 21 1 
			 2006 11 25 2 
			 2005 16 8 0 
			 2004 14 20 2 
			 2003 7 14 3 
			 Total 78 103 9 
		
	
	It is important to note that not all adverse events are reported to the MHRA. Whilst manufacturers are required to report an event if it falls under the definition of the Medical Devices Directives Vigilance, (i.e. an actual or potential injury either to a patient or the user) reporting of such events from the national health service or private healthcare facilities is voluntary.

Malaria: Greater London

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of falciparum malaria were recorded in London in each year from 1997 to 2008.

Ben Bradshaw: The number of recorded hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis of falciparum malaria for incidents recorded for the London strategic health authority (comprising five SHAs from 1997-98 to 2005-06 and one SHA from 2006-07) from 1997 to 2008 are given in the table as follows:
	
		
			   Total admissions 
			 2006-07 843 
			 2005-06 821 
			 2004-05 757 
			 2003-04 823 
			 2002-03 804 
			 2001-02 892 
			 2000-01 764 
			 1999-2000 757 
			 1998-99 517 
			 1997-98 686 
			  Note:  Hospital admissions and numbers of cases may differ since the same person may have been admitted on more than one occasion for the same illness/treatment episode. Data are not available on numbers of cases

Mass Media

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 30 April 2008,  Official Report, column 449W, on mass media, if he will place in the Library the assessments made by press officers of media coverage of  (a) departmental announcements and  (b) major health stories in each week of 2008.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department's Media Centre does not currently produce written weekly assessments of media coverage of departmental announcements and major health stories, and the Department do not employ any agencies to make such reports on its behalf.

Maternity Services

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many adverse events have been recorded in NHS maternity services  (a) in England and  (b) in each strategic health authority area in each year since 1997, broken down by type of adverse event.

Ann Keen: The information requested is being compiled by the National Patient Safety Agency. This will be placed in the Library shortly

National Strategy for England

Angela Browning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding allocations his Department has made to support the delivery of its National Strategy for England in the next five years.

Ben Bradshaw: A draft of a National Dementia Strategy was published on 19 June for consultation. The consultation closes on 11 September and we will carefully consider all the responses we receive before deciding the final shape of the Strategy, and what resources are available to support its implementation. Funding will be announced around the same time when the strategy is published.

NHS: ICT

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will estimate the extra costs incurred by the Worthing and Southlands Hospital Trust as a result of use of the CERNER NHS IT system in  (a) 2007-08 and  (b) 2008-09; and what the expected source of the funding of the additional costs will be;
	(2)  which other NHS acute hospital trusts have the version of the CERNER NHS IT system supplied to the Worthing and Southlands Hospital Trust; what assessment he has made of  (a) present and  (b) future costs and benefits of the system; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The implementation of a strategic hospital clinical IT system represents a major change programme. There is an inevitable initial increase in, primarily, staff costs both during preparation and during initial deployment, and then as the system is bedded in and staff familiarity with the new functionality develops.
	The trusts' business cases for the change have recognised that these initial increased locally sourced costs are offset by the benefits realised by the trust over the life of the system. These will include, over time, a patient administration system with integration with other systems and sophisticated reporting; order communications and diagnostics reporting, including all pathology and radiology tests and tests ordered in primary care; and scheduling for beds, tests, and theatres.
	Information on any additional costs incurred by Worthing and Southlands Hospital Trust arising from the deployment of Cerner software is not held centrally.
	Of the NHS acute trusts which have to date received deployments of the Cerner Millennium system, as at 31 August 2008 the following had the same (R0.05) version as that currently being used at the Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS trust:
	Weston Area Health NHS Trust;
	Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust;
	Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
	The costs and benefits will be identified in the local business cases.

NHS: Finance

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been  (a) allocated and  (b) spent on (i) general medical services, (ii) personal medical services and (iii) alternative provider medical services contracts in (A) cash and (B) real terms in current prices in each of the last five years.

Ben Bradshaw: Allocations to primary care trusts for primary medical care services do not identify funding separately for general medical services, personal medical services and alternative provider medical services. The table shows actual spend in cash and at this year's prices for each of these contracting routes since 2004-05, the year that the new general practitioner (GP) contract was introduced and the first year for which this information is available.
	
		
			  Primary medical care services spend 
			  000 
			   General medical services  Personal medical services  Alternative provider medical services 
			  Financial year  Cash  Real terms  Cash  Real terms  Cash  Real terms 
			 2004-05 3,180,086 3,536,892 2,769,671 3,080,428 59,459 66,130 
			 2005-06 3,484,327 3,793,735 3,063,145 3,335,152 134,205 146,122 
			 2006-07 3,527,927 3,739,603 3,113,131 3,299,919 153,114 162,301 
			 2007-08 3,536,231 3,642,318 3,204,626 3,300,765 148,666 153,126 
		
	
	Separate to these arrangements primary care trusts who have been identified as having the poorest primary medical care provision, and who are taking part in a local procurement to commission new GP practices, will also receive additional funding in 2008- 09 and subsequent years to secure this additional GP capacity.

NHS: Re-organisation

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will place in the Library a copy of each submission to his Department's national review Our NHS Our Future;
	(2)  what the  (a) commissioning and development costs,  (b) publishing and printing costs,  (c) distribution costs and  (d) media costs were for (i) Lord Darzi's national review of the NHS in England and (ii) each of his regional reviews;
	(3)  how many staff in each pay band in his Department worked solely on Lord Darzi's review of the NHS in England;
	(4)  how much was spent on consultative events in each region as part of Lord Darzi's review of the NHS in England.

Ben Bradshaw: The National Health Service Next Stage Review has been a year-long process, led by more than 2,000 clinicians and engaging with approximately 60,000 patients, public and staff. An analysis of the views and opinions gathered in this engagement process is available on the Review's website:
	www.ournhs.nhs.uk
	A final figure for the cost of the Review is not yet available. However, the costs to date to the Department of conducting the review itself is approximately 3.5 million.
	The NHS Next Stage Review is core business for all civil servants in the Department.
	The estimated costs of consultation undertaken by strategic health authorities (SHAs) as part of the nationwide NHS Next Stage Review is not held centrally.

NHS: Sick Leave

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average length of single periods of sick leave taken by NHS employees was in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: This information is not held centrally.

NHS: Video Conferencing

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department provides on the  (a) procurement and  (b) use of video-conferencing technology for the delivery of healthcare in the NHS.

Ben Bradshaw: The NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) has a framework for the provision of voice, video and data products and services which includes the procurement of video-conferencing services. This framework is available to all NHS trusts in England providing for the supply, design, project management, maintenance and installation of video conferencing equipment for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication services.
	There are 16 suppliers providing these services and NHS PASA provides procurement advice and expertise.
	Implementation and the potential application of the technologies, especially in clinical areas is determined by trusts based on local needs.

NHS: Video Conferencing

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to enable the N3 network for video conferencing.

Ben Bradshaw: The N3 network is already enabled to support video conferencing.

Patients: Fees and Charges

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to Table 9a of his Department's Memorandum to the Health Select Committee, entitled Public Expenditure on Health and Personal Social Services 2006, published in November 2006, what the equivalent figures on patient charges are for  (a) 2006-07 and  (b) 2007-08, broken down by type of charge.

Ben Bradshaw: Latest information on NHS Income from Charges is given in table 1. 2007-08 NHS Accounts Data is not yet available.
	
		
			  Table 1: Breakdown of NHS income from charges by charge type for period 1996-97 to 2004-05 
			   million 
			  Charges  1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			 Health Authorityfees and charges 67.7 90.1 92.0 113.8 65.8 3.5 4.7 6.4 11.9 12.4  
			 Road traffic accident income   30.0 75.8 98.3 105.0 105.6 117.5 121.5 128.2  
			 NHS Trustsfees and charges 169.6 216.7 224.2 266.0 268.2 126.3 136.8 228.1 230.9 306.2  
			 NHS Trustsprivate patients 273.2 290.8 304.8 316.6 540 8 366.7 383.9 349.0 364.7 379.6  
			 NHS TrustsLocal Authorities  259.8 394.9 516.4 683.3 690.0  
			 PCTs1.5 24.5 61.6 72.2 105.1 105.5 104.4  
			 PCTsLocal Authorities  295.4 404.1 592.7 605.1 688.0  
			 NHS Supplies Authority fees 39.1 36.1 20.3 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.8 1.0
			 Dental charges 388.4 419.6 431.2 453.1 472.1 486.7 483.6 425.9 409.8 479.5  
			 Prescription charges 320.9 341.3 366.7 386.9 413.1 423.0 428.3 424.6 426.9 433.5  
			 Nursing home inspection fees 4.8 8.8 9.5 9.8 6.2   
			 Subsidised dried milk 2.5 2.6 2.4 2.3 3.0 2.9 2.1 2.0
			 Medicines Control Agencylicences and inspections 28.1 26.6 29.4 34.1 36.7 41.3  
			 Youth Treatment Service Income 4.5 4.7 4.6 0.1
			 NHS Pensions Agency fees 2.3 6.2 2.2 1.8 1.6 0.9 0.5 0.6
			 Medical Devices Agency Fees 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.4  
			 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority: licence fees 1.3 1.4 1.6 1.2 1.6 2.5 3.5 4.1 4.2 4.5 5.4 
			 English National Board for Nursing (ENB): registration fees  1.6 1.6 1.6
			 Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency   52.4 57.7 53.1 70.1 82.4 
			 Total 1,302.6 1,446.7 1,520.7 1,665.3 1,732.5 2,176.2 2,473.4 2,831.0 3,017.0 3,296.4  
			  Notes: 1. The table has been restated to include NHS trusts private patients, NHS trust income from local authorities and primary care trust (PCT) income separately. 2. Health authorities were established on 1 April 1996 and strategic health authorities on 1 October 2002. 3. PCTs were established from 1 April 2000. 4. Figures from 2004-05 have been uprated (by expenditure) to estimate income to NHS foundation trusts. 5. Income from local authorities was separately identified for the first time in 2002-03. 6. From 2000-01 NHS Supplies Authority split into NHS Purchasing and Supplies Agency and NHS Logistics. All fees for forward years score against the NHS Logistics. 7. Dental and prescription charge income prior to 2001-02 drawn from cash data in appropriation accounts. 2001-02 and subsequent years' data drawn from resource data in summarised accounts. 8. From April 2002 the National Care Standards Commission regulated nursing homes. 9. Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency formed in 2003-04brings together work of Medical Device Agency and Medicines Control Agency.

Pedestrians: Accidents

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many people in each region were admitted to hospital as a result of road accidents in each year since 1997, broken down by  (a) age,  (b) type of accident,  (c) type of vehicle involved in the accident and  (d) type of injury;
	(2)  how many pedestrians in each region were admitted to hospital as a result of traffic accidents in each year since 1997, broken down by  (a) age and  (b) type of vehicle involved in the accident.

Ben Bradshaw: This information is not available in the format requested. Tables showing the number of people injured in all transport accidents and the number of pedestrians injured in transport accidents respectively have been placed in the Library.

Personal Injury

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the highest 10 payments made by his Department in settlement of personal injury claims brought against it were over the last 12 months for which figures are available; which of those cases were  (a) contested and  (b) uncontested by the Department; and what the nature of the incident was in each case.

Ben Bradshaw: There have been no personal injury cases made in 2006-07. This information has been extracted from the Department's Losses and Special Payments Register for which information was last available, 2006-07.

Press

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the  (a) staffing,  (b) accommodation and  (c) other overhead costs of his Department's press office were in each of the last five years.

Ben Bradshaw: The cost of the Department's Media Centre staff, 2003-04 to 2007-08 is shown in the following table.
	
		
			   Cost ( million) 
			 2007-08 1.369 
			 2006-07 1.765 
			 2005-06 1.772 
			 2004-05 1.471 
			 2003-04 1.284 
		
	
	Figures exclude social security and pension costs.
	It is not possible to calculate the accommodation and overhead cost for the press office. The only figure available would be that for the whole of Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, where the press office is located.

Primary Health Care: Standards

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of the Qualities and Outcomes Framework (QOF) on  (a) reducing health inequalities and  (b) supporting mental health provision in primary care; whether he plans to amend the QOF to increase funding for these priorities; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The most recent research published by the National Primary Care Research and Development Centre (NPCRDC) suggests that the health gap between affluent and deprived areas is closing.
	The Department has not commissioned any specific research on impact of the QOF on mental health provision. However, the most recent data indicates that achievement levels are high. Specific examples are shown as follows:
	
		
			  Indicator   Total points achieved percentage 
			 MH9 The percentage of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and other psychoses with a review recorded in the preceding 15 months. In the review there should be evidence that the patient has been offered routine health promotion and prevention advice appropriate to their age, gender and health status 94.4 
			
			 MH6 The percentage of patients on the register who have a comprehensive care plan documented in the records agreed between individuals, their family and/or carers as appropriate 94.0 
		
	
	The content of the Quality and Outcomes Framework for 2009-10 is currently being discussed between NHS Employers and the British Medical Association, advised by the independent expert panel. Those discussions are informed by Our Vision for Primary and Community Care published on 3 July that informed part of Lord Darzi's NHS review.

Queen Mary's Hospital Sidcup

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on the future of services at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup.

Ben Bradshaw: Due to the way in which data is collected, the Department is unable to provide the exact number of letters received in relation to the future of services at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup. However, a search of the Department's correspondence and parliamentary questions database shows that there were approximately 24 completed correspondence cases on Queen Mary's Hospital Sidcup between November 2007 to date, of which 14 were regarding the future of services at the hospital. No parliamentary questions specifically relating to the future of services at Queen Mary's Hospital Sidcup were found.
	There have been no ministerial meetings with hon. Members or debates specifically on the future of services at Queen Mary's Hospital Sidcup between November 2007 to date.
	The London borough council of Bexley's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, independently from the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee, formally referred proposals for hospital reconfiguration regarding A Picture of Health for South East London (which includes Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup) to the Secretary of State for Health on 28 August 2008.

Skin Cancer

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what proportion of recurrences of basal cell carcinoma occurred in patients whose cancer had been removed by  (a) GPs and  (b) hospital consultants in the latest period for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: Information on recurrences of basal cell carcinoma in patients whose cancers have been removed is not collected centrally.

Skin Cancer

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what proportion recurrences of skin cancer occurred in patients whose cancer had been removed by  (a) GPs and  (b) hospital consultants in the latest period for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: Information on recurrences of skin cancer in patients whose cancers have been removed is not collected centrally.

Skin Cancer

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's policy is on GPs undertaking procedures to remove skin cancer.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department fully supports the guidance provided by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in its Improving Outcomes for People with Skin Tumours including Melanoma, published in February 2006. This guidance states that different degrees of specialisation are required to treat the various types and stages of skin cancer.
	Some treatments, for those groups of patients specified in the guidance, may be carried out in the community by a variety of clinicians, including general practitioners with a special interest in skin cancer. All health professionals who knowingly treat patients with any type of skin cancer should be members of a local hospital skin cancer multidisciplinary team or a specialist skin cancer multidisciplinary team.

Sunbeds

Alan Milburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of sunburn arising from sunbed use have been reported to NHS Logistics in the most recent year for which figures are available; and how many such cases involved under-16 year olds.

Ann Keen: NHS Logistics has been disbanded and while operational did not collect information on cases of sunburn arising from the use of sunbeds.

Telemedicine

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to establish an English Centre for Telehealth.

Ben Bradshaw: There are no current plans to establish an English Centre for Telehealth.

Trauma: Death

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the fatality rates of trauma patients were in each year from 1995 to 2007.

Ben Bradshaw: The requested data are not collected centrally because there is no link between mortality data from the Office for National Statistics and the case data on trauma patients from Hospital Episodes Statistics.

Trauma: Health Services

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) accident and emergency departments and  (b) trauma centres have co-located cardio-thoracic facilities.

Ben Bradshaw: No such assessment has been made centrally. These are matters for the national health service to determine. Over the last year, as part of the Next Stage Review, each strategic health authority has set out its vision for improving health and healthcare based on the recommendations of clinically-led pathway groups including acute care. These visions identify the need for high quality trauma services and a common theme was the need for specialised centres for major trauma.

Vioxx

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the number of people in England with increased cardio-vascular risk as a result of using Vioxx.

Ben Bradshaw: Vioxx (rofecoxib) was one of a group of anti-inflammatory medicines known as COX-2 selective inhibitors. It was licensed in the United Kingdom and many other countries for the treatment of arthritic conditionsosteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritisand also for the short-term treatment of some painful conditions. COX-2 selective inhibitors are effective anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving medicines that are thought to have less risk of gastrointestinal side effects, for example stomach ulcers, than conventional anti-inflammatory medicines.
	Since 2000, evidence from clinical trials had raised concerns about a possible increased risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions associated with Vioxx, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency/Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) kept the cardiovascular safety of this drug under continual review since it was first licensed. The product information for healthcare professionals and patients, which lists all the known side effects of the medicine, was updated on a number of occasions to better reflect its cardiovascular safety, in accordance with CSM's advice.
	Data are not available on which to base a valid estimate of the number of people with increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and other adverse cardiovascular effects that may have been associated with Vioxx and other COX-2 inhibitors. The underlying medical condition of many patients treated with COX-2 inhibitors means that they are already at higher risk of heart attack and stroke than the rest of the population, and it is not possible to calculate the impact of the COX-2 inhibitor on this risk. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence to determine the rate at which cardiovascular risk reduces after cessation of treatment with Vioxx, but there is evidence from one study suggesting that the risk wanes after cessation of therapy, although the exact time course for the reduction in risk is uncertain, and it is not possible to exclude persistence of risk for several months after treatment has stopped.
	Since Vioxx was voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturer in 2004, the safety of other COX-2 inhibitors and traditional anti-inflammatory drugsnon-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)has been carefully and intensively assessed in the UK and Europe. The latest evidence suggests that both NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors are effective painkilling anti-inflammatory treatments but might pose a small increased risk of heart attacks or strokes, although the exact level of risk may vary between medicines. The MHRA has widely communicated the latest information and advice for healthcare professionals in letters and bulletins, and other publications through liaison with the British National Formulary and National Prescribing Centre. In addition, product information for healthcare professionals and patient information leaflets have been updated in order to support informed decision-making in relation to the choice of anti-inflammatory medicine.

Vioxx

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions his Department has had with Merck in the United States on the effects of Vioxx on people in England; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, South (Mr. Lewis), met with representatives of Merck Sharpe and Dohme UK Ltd on 10 July 2008 where he highlighted the concerns raised by hon. Members on behalf of their constituents. A representative from Merck and Co., Inc. was also present at that meeting.

INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS

Adult Education: Apprentices

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what steps he is taking to increase the number of people undertaking adult apprenticeships.

David Lammy: 'World-class Apprenticeships' confirmed our commitment to making apprenticeships a top-quality option for both young people and adults and set out several steps to increase the numbers of people undertaking adult apprenticeships. Last year we abolished the upper age limit for apprenticeships and we are increasing apprenticeships funding to over 1 billion between 2007-08 and 2010-11, including funding to expand apprenticeships for older learners. Skills Accounts are soon to be trialled to empower individuals to take up and progress in adult learning, including apprenticeships. Expanding apprenticeships for adults will play a key role in helping us to deliver over 250,000 apprenticeship starts and 190,000 successful completions by 2020 in order to deliver the Leitch ambition of 400,000 apprenticeships in England.

Apprentices

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many apprentices have  (a) started and  (b) completed (i) programme-led and (ii) work-based apprenticeships in construction in the last three years.

David Lammy: In 2006-07 21,000 young people and adults started an apprenticeship in the construction sector, including 1,820 who started on a programme-led apprenticeship (PLA) in the workplace pending a move to an employed apprenticeship with an employer. A further 1,630 people started a PLA based at a further education college. In the same year 12,560 people completed an apprenticeship framework in construction. Some of those completing an apprenticeship have been on a PLA in the workplace but there are no data currently available to track PLA learners through to completion of an apprenticeship.
	The following table provides the available data for the last three years.
	
		
			  Number of learners on LSC-funded work-based apprenticeships and programme-led apprenticeships in construction 
			   2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 Programme-led Apprenticeships (FE-led learning)
			 Learners n/a 1,820 1,630 
			 
			 Programme-led Apprenticeships (work-based learning (WBL))
			 Starts n/a 970 1,820 
			 Leavers n/a 800 1,350 
			 
			 Work-based Apprenticeships
			 Starts (including WBL PLA starts) 18,740 15,730 21,000 
			 Completions 5,750 9,500 12,560 
			  Notes: 1. Information on the number of programme-led apprentices (PLAs) in 2004-05 is not available on a consistent basis. 2. WBL Frameworks included are Construction (107) and Engineering Construction (116). 3. For FE-led programme-led apprentices, figures are based on learners in Construction, Planning and the Built Environment Sector Subject Area. 4. Information on the number of Leavers for programme-led apprenticeships includes learners who have completed their programme of study and learners who have left early. 5. Information on completions is not available for FE-led PLAs. Achievement information is available but for individual programmes of study and not consistent with learner numbers (a learner may be enrolled on more than one course)  Source: Work-based learning ILR/FE ILR.

Apprentices

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many people aged  (a) 16 and 17,  (b) 18 and over and  (c) in total have enrolled on an apprenticeship in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) the North East and (iv) nationwide in each year since 1997.

David Lammy: Table 1 shows the number of people that have started on an apprenticeship from 1997. Information on individual age volumes is unavailable between 1997-98 and 2001-02. We have, however, provided a national figure for the number of apprenticeship starts over this period.
	
		
			  Table 1: Apprenticeship starts, by age at start of course. 
			   1997-98  1998-99  1999-00  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 Total apprenticeship starts, by age(1)   
			 16- year-old apprenticeship starts(2)  40,000 39,000 44,000 34,000 34,000 
			 17 year old Apprenticeship Starts  41,000 37,000 38,000 33,000 36,000 
			 18+ Apprenticeship Starts  122,000 117,000 108,000 108,000 115,000 
			 Total Apprenticeship Starts 75,000 118,000 165,000 177,000 162,000 204,000 194,000 189,000 175,000 184,000 
			
			 Apprenticeship starts in the North East(3), by Age(1)   
			 16-year-old apprenticeship starts(4)  3,800 3,600 3,800 3,000 2,900 
			 17-year-old apprenticeship starts  3,600 2,900 3,300 3,000 2,900 
			 18+ Apprenticeship Starts  8,300 7,300 6,900 7,500 6,800 
			 Total apprenticeship starts in the North East  15,600 13,800 14,000 13,500 12,600 
			
			 Apprenticeship Starts in South Tyneside(4), by Age(1)   
			 16-year-old Apprenticeship Starts(4)  300 360 280 260 210 
			 17 year old Apprenticeship Starts  220 250 220 240 240 
			 18+ Apprenticeship Starts  470 460 420 540 450 
			 Total Apprenticeship Starts - South Tyneside  990 1,080 920 1,040 890 
			
			 Apprenticeship Starts in Jarrow(5), by Age(1)   
			 16-year-old Apprenticeship Starts(2)  160 180 160 140 100 
			 17-year-old Apprenticeship Starts  150 140 120 110 120 
			 18+ Apprenticeship Starts  250 240 220 280 220 
			 Total Apprenticeship Starts - Jarrow  560 560 500 530 450 
			 (1 )Age is based on learner age at the start of the course. (2) A small number of learners aged under 16 at the start of the course are included in this figure. (3) North East Government Office Region, based on learner's home postcode. (4) South Tyneside Local Authority, based on learner's home postcode. (5) Jarrow constituency, based on learner's home postcode.  Notes: 1. Figures may not sum to totals due to rounding. 2. These figures represent learners starting an apprenticeship or an advanced apprenticeship. Additionally, there are a very small number of Higher Level Apprenticeships included in the 2006-07 total.  Source:  ISR/ILR Work-Based Learning data.

Apprentices

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many people aged 18 and over at the outset of an apprenticeship have completed their apprenticeship in  (a) Jarrow constituency,  (b) South Tyneside,  (c) the North East and  (d) nationwide in each year since 1997.

David Lammy: Table 1 shows the number of people aged 18 or over at the start of their apprenticeship. Framework completion data was not published in the pre-LSC era, so figures are not available for the period between 1997-98 to 2001-02.
	
		
			  Table 1: Full framework apprenticeship completions for learners aged 18 or over( 1)  at the start of their apprenticeship 
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 Total Apprenticeship Completions 23,800 28,700 38,500 57,200 66,700 
			 Apprenticeship Completions in the North East(2) 1,600 1,800 2,600 3,700 4,400 
			 Apprenticeship Completions in South Tyneside(3) 60 110 150 220 290 
			 Apprenticeship Completions in Jarrow(4) 30 50 90 120 150 
			 (1). Age is based on learner age at the start of the course. (2). North East Government Office Region, based on learner's home postcode. (3). South Tyneside Local Authority, based on learner's home postcode. (4). Jarrow constituency, based on learner's home postcode.  Note: Figures may not sum to totals due to rounding.  Source: ISR/ILR work-based learning data. 
		
	
	These figures represent learners starting an apprenticeship or an advanced apprenticeship. Additionally, there are a very small number of Higher Level Apprenticeships included in the 2006-07 total.

Biofuels: Research

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what discussions he  (a) has had and  (b) plans to have with universities involved in biofuels research on the implications of the Gallagher review.

Ian Pearson: No specific meetings or discussions have been held between Ministers in this Department and universities about the Gallagher Review. The Research Councils are responsible for providing funding for research at universities, including energy related research and post graduate training. The councils are considering the outcome of the review and will use the review to guide the development and support for research related to biofuels. For instance, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) bioenergy strategy shares many of the conclusions of the Gallagher Review by placing importance on basic science underpinning second generation biofuels, such as those that can utilise marginal land or crop residues or non-food crops.

Carers: Disabled

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills pursuant to paragraph 3.11 in the Carers at the heart of 21st-century families and communities report, how much of the 150 million funding for breaks for carers of disabled children will be provided by his Department over each of the next two years.

Bill Rammell: DIUS is not involved in making direct respite care payments to carers of disabled children. The Department of Health are the budget holders of the 150 million referred to therefore we would refer the hon. Gentleman to the response from the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, South (Mr. Lewis) (220304).

Departmental Alcoholic Drinks

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills 
	(1)  what measures are in place in his Department to monitor expenditure on alcohol for hospitality purposes;
	(2)  what purchasing process is used by his Department for the procurement of alcohol for hospitality purposes.

David Lammy: Any expenditure on alcohol for hospitality purposes is made in accordance with guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles of Managing Public Money and the Treasury handbook on Regularity and Propriety.
	Accordingly, alcohol is provided only as an exception. Where it is provided, it is generally purchased by the caterer for the event in question.

Departmental Buildings

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what his Department's policy is on improving the energy efficiency of the buildings which it  (a) rents and  (b) owns; what changes there have been in the energy efficiency of such buildings in the last (i) five and (ii) 10 years; and whether his Department has adopted targets on energy efficiency improvements in the buildings it occupies over the next (A) five and (B) 10 years.

David Lammy: Estate services for the main office accommodation occupied by the Department for Innovation Universities and Skills are provided by the Departments for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and Children, Schools and Families. Answers given by those Departments will therefore cover this Department as well.
	The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills also manages an estate in Teddington, occupied principally by the National Physical Laboratory. The majority of activities undertaken on the estate have recently moved to new and very different accommodation, so historical comparisons would not be meaningful. However a number of tasks are underway to improve the energy efficiency of the new NPL building such as night-time set-back of environmental control, filming of windows and installation of the infrastructure for a ground source heat pump system.

Departmental Buildings

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what account his Department takes of the level of energy efficiency of buildings before entering into agreements to  (a) rent and  (b) purchase those buildings.

David Lammy: The Department at present has not rented or purchased any building outside the current civil estate. If we were looking to occupy a new building we would seek to obtain a building with the highest BREEAM rating available.

Departmental ICT

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the value of his Department's computer systems  (a) was at the time of purchase and  (b) is now.

David Lammy: The Department compiles their accounts consistent with the Financial Reporting Manual (FreM). The value of the Department's computer systems are as follows:
	
		
			   Value of computer systems (000) 
			  (a) At the time of purchase 953 
			  (b) Now (as at 31 March 2008) 896

Departmental ICT

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what information technology projects initiated by his Department and its predecessors have been cancelled prior to completion in the last five years; and what the cost of each such project was to the public purse.

David Lammy: DIUS is a new Department established in June 2007 substantially from parts of the former DTI and DfES. As far as we are aware, since June 2007 the Department has not cancelled any information technology projects.
	No information technology projects were cancelled in the last five years for those functions brought over into DIUS from the former DTI.
	It is not possible, without exceeding the disproportionate cost threshold, to determine if any information technology projects were cancelled in the last five years for those functions brought over into DIUS from the former DfES.

Departmental Overtime

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the cost of overtime payments paid to staff in his Department was in each of the last 12 months, broken down by pay grade.

David Lammy: The cost of overtime payments in the Department by grade is set out in the following table(1). Overtime is not payable to members of the senior civil service.
	(1 )Specialist grades are included in their grade equivalent. Grades 6 and 7 are entitled to an extra hours' discretionary payment for long hours working and a weekend attendance allowance subject to an overriding limit. Figures include BERR grade pay ranges: range 4 (EA); ranges 5-6 (EO); ranges 7-8 (HEO); range 9 (SEO); range 10 (Grade 7); range 11 (Grade 6).
	
		
			   
			   Executive assistant (EA)  Executive officer (EO)  Higher executive officer (HEO)  Senior executive officer (SEO)  Grade 7  Grade 6  Total 
			 June 2008 9,194 7,534 11,152 12,424 32,067 0 72,371 
			 May 2008 11,540 6,754 8,827 15,301 29,293 155 71,870 
			 April 2008 10,902 12,833 14,809 16,392 33,747 0 88,683 
			 March 2008 5,368 6,604 17,057 12,644 15,976 0 57,649 
			 February 2008 9,672 7,706 6,456 14,885 19,488 279 58,486 
			 January 2008 9,972 16,464 10,809 13,737 27,218 0 78,200 
			 December 2007 6,099 18,885 3,712 16,940 17,914 0 63,550 
			 November 2007 12,245 21,792 2,810 16,484 21,531 0 74,862 
			 October 2007 13,878 17,951 10,291 19,452 18,677 0 80,249 
			 September 2007 7,667 13,129 6,957 11,237 16,762 0 55,752 
			 August 2007 8,333 25,572 7,280 7,783 6,819 0 55,787 
			 July 2007 9,571 28,284 5,686 3,933 2,099 449 50,022 
			 Total 114,441 183,511 105,846 161,212 241,591 833 807,481

Departmental Pay

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how much was claimed in reimbursable expenses by special advisers in his Department in each of the last 10 years.

Ian Pearson: Since the creation of DIUS in June 2007 Special Advisers have claimed 1,525.63 in reimbursable expenses.
	Special advisers are temporary civil servants and are therefore entitled to claim expenses available to other civil servants. Guidance on claiming expenses can be found in chapter 8 of the Civil Service guide:
	http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/iam/codes/csmc/online_report/8.asp

Departmental Pay

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how much was claimed in reimbursable expenses by press officers in his Department and its agencies in each of the last three financial years.

David Lammy: The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills was created as a result of machinery of government changes in June 2007. During the 2007-08 financial year 168.73 has been claimed by press officers for reimbursable expenses.

Departmental Procurement

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what his Department's policy is on requesting discounts from its suppliers in return for swift payment of invoices.

David Lammy: The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills was established under Machinery of Government changes in June 2007 and currently operates two ledgers. Science and Innovation and Higher and Further Education have the following policies regarding swift payment of invoices:
	 Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (Science and Innovation)
	The Department follows OGC best practice guidance in making payments to its suppliers within 30 days of a correctly submitted invoice. This is reflected in the provisions of our standard form of contract. The Department does not have a practice of requesting discounts in return for swift payment of invoices.
	The Department is subject to the provisions of the Late Payments of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 which provides suppliers with rights to claim interest on late payments of a commercial debt.
	 Department for Children, Schools and Families (Higher and Further Education)
	The Department follows OGC best practice guidance in making payments to its suppliers. The 'Model invitation to tender letter' states: the successful tenderer should provide details of discounts for prompt payment.

Departmental Public Buildings

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills which organisations have received  (a) free and  (b) discounted room hire from (i) his Department and (ii) its agencies in each of the last five years; and what the commercial value of the discount was in each case.

David Lammy: The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills was established under machinery of government changes in June 2007. Neither DIUS or its agency hires rooms to other organisations. Rooms are not generally made available free to other organisations, but we do not keep a central record of whether this has ever occurred. It may sometimes be appropriate for events or meetings convened by DIUS-sponsored bodies to be hosted in DIUS rooms.

Departmental Public Participation

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what  (a) listening exercises and  (b) public forums his Department has held since establishment; what the (i) purpose and (ii) cost was in each case; and who the private contractor was and how much it was paid in each case.

David Lammy: The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills was created as a result of Machinery of Government changes in June 2007.
	Since its establishment the Department has held the following listening exercises and public forums:
	
		
			  Listening exercise/public forum/consultations  Purpose  Total cost ()  Of which:  Private contractor  Cost ()  Service provided 
			 Informal Adult Learning (IAL) Citizen Summit x1 June 2008 Facilitate debate with members of the public around the key issues and aims of the consultation. Define the broad range of IAL activities. Develop proposal for the 'new vision' of IAL. Deliver qualitative and quantitative information on the experiences of the public. (1)115,470.70 BMRB (British Market Research Bureau) 59,357.00 Event facilitation 
			Hilton Paddington 9,270.52 Venue 
			Stage Electrics *4,600.00 Site production, lighting etc. 
			Cheerful Scout 6,810.00 Voting and data capture 
			Neal Display *4,000.00 Set and staging 
			   
			 Informal Adult Learning Stakeholder Roundtable Discussions x7 May to July 2008 Engage the following sectors in the IAL consultation: broadcast and technology; families; older learners; the workplace; the voluntary and community sector. Plus a reconvened event to discuss the sector findings. 36,721.75 None   
			   
			 Five student juries altogether in the financial year 2007-08 To capture the views of higher education students and feed them into the policy-making process. 20,000.00 SHM Productions Ltd. 20,000.00  
			   
			 The European Research Area (ERA)new perspectives. To inform the UK Government's response to the Commission's Green paper 'The European Research Area (ERA)new perspectives'. 4,686.30 Institution of Mechanical Engineers 4,686.30 Venue hire etc. 
			   
			 Raising Expectations: enabling the system to delivernine regional events relating to FE. To raise awareness and understanding of the proposals set out in Raising Expectations: enabling the system to deliver and to capture views on them. (2)201,924.56 None   
			   
			 The Review Report 'World Class Apprenticeships: Unlocking Talent, Building Skills for All'. Readers were asked to provide comments/views on future strategy for Apprenticeships set out in the document. The Central Office of Information strategy consultancy were engaged to produce an assessment report of the 104 responses received. 8,240.00 None   
			   
			 Public consultation on the draft Apprenticeships Bill. This is a joint consultation with DCSF. It is hosted by the DCSF consultation unit. Its purpose is to consult on the draft Bill. (3)0 None   
			   
			 Single Equality Scheme consultation event. Single equality scheme consultation to gauge public opinion and input prior to publication of scheme. 32,324.00 Paul James Associates 32,324.00 Management and facilitation of event plus post event consultation with attendees and production of report. 
			   
			 Adult advancement and careers service. Workshop held to share expertise and views on the development of new adult advancement and careers service. 22,000.00 CRAC: The Career Development Organisation and the National Institute for Careers Education and Counselling. 22,000.00  
			   
			 Five regional innovation roadshow events in north-west, east of England, north-east, west midlands and south-west regions held between May and July 2008. Further events in east midlands, south-east, London and Yorkshire and Humber due to take place in September to November. To promote the range of support available regionally to businesses for innovation and to facilitate discussion with a business audience on the main recommendations of the Innovation Nation White Paper. (4)100,000.00 (5) (5)  
			 (1) Full final costs not yet invoiced by some supplierscosts marked '*' based on budget. (2) Contract delivered by the Central Office of Information. (3) No external costs. (4) The total costs of the nine events will be approximately 90,000-100,000. The costs will be split 50/50 between DIUS and the regional development agencies. (5) Event arrangements such as venue hire, printing of materials etc. and any related private sector costs are procured by the regional development agency for each event. DIUS has agreed to meet 50 per cent. of total costs which may include costs for private contractors.

Departmental Public Participation

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what  (a) reviews and  (b) public consultations have been initiated by his Department since 27 June 2007.

David Lammy: The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills was created as a result of Machinery of Government changes in June 2007.
	The Department places the highest emphasis on effective review and consultations with public and stakeholders as vital elements of evidence based policy making and delivery.
	The  (a) reviews and  (b) public consultations initiated by the Department have been detailed as follows.
	 (a) Reviews
	Review of the Designing Demand programme run by the Design Council
	Audit of the Government Chemist function by two external experts
	The Review of Post 16 Learner Statistical First releases
	Operation of the Government funded Apprenticeship programme in England (joint with DCSF)
	Review of Investors in People UK's remit including services to help employers develop their business
	The performance management arrangements for offender skills and employment delivery
	Reform of Weights and Measures Legislation
	 (b) Consultations
	Science and Society Strategy Consultation Innovation Nation Consultation
	The PIUS Single Equality Scheme
	Raising Expectations: Consultation on two new systems to deliver education and training for young people and adults (jointly with DCSF)
	Focusing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) on Community Cohesion
	Informal Adult LearningShaping the Way Ahead
	The role of Further Education Providers in promoting community cohesion, fostering shared values and preventing violent extremism
	The draft Apprenticeships Bill
	Improvement in the Further Education Sectora consultative prospectus for a new sector-owned organisation (joint with Quality improvement Agency (QIA) and Centre for Excellence in Leadership(CEL)
	A formal time to train consultation
	European IP Charter (Code) for the management of intellectual property by universities and other public research organisations
	Fast track processing of Patents and Trade Marks
	The Draft Patents (Compulsory Licensing and Supplementary Protection Certificates) Regulations 2007
	Proposed changes to copyright exceptions
	Modernisation and consolidation of the Trade Marks Rules.
	Informal Consultation Paper on The Modernisation of the Trade Marks (International Registration) Order
	The Artist's Resale Right: Derogation for Deceased Artists
	Proposed changes to Copyright Exemptions in respect of Music Licensing
	Informal Consultation Paper on The Patent Research Exception

Departmental Responsibilities

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills which projects his Department has commissioned from  (a) think tanks and  (b) charities in each of the last two years for which figures are available; what the aim of each project was; which think tank or charity was commissioned; and how much was paid.

David Lammy: The Department's accounting records do not collate information to this level of detail. To provide a response would be at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Retirement

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills whether his Department has a standard retirement age; and how many employees have been asked to retire on reaching 65 years of age in each year since 2000.

David Lammy: As part of the Machinery of Government changes of 28 June 2007, the Department has taken on board terms and conditions of staff transferred in from the former Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and Department for Trade and Industry (DTI). In DfES there was no set retirement age for the majority of staff. In DTI staff could retire at any time between the minimum retirement age of 60 and the maximum retirement age of 65. Staff also have a statutory right to request to continue working beyond 65. Careful consideration is given to such requests, but any offer to continue working beyond that age will be at the discretion of the Department.
	A retirement age of 65 has been adopted by central Government for the senior civil service (SCS) but members of the SCS can request to work beyond that age.

Departmental Sick Leave

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills 
	(1)  how many sick days were taken by employees in  (a) his Department,  (b) its agencies and  (c) the non-departmental bodies for which it has responsibility due to (i) stress and (ii) mental health and behavioural disorders since the Department's establishment; what proportion of sick days taken this represented in each case; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many staff in  (a) his Department,  (b) its agencies and  (c) the non-departmental bodies for which it has responsibility have taken sick days due to (i) stress and (ii) mental health and behavioural disorders since the Department was established; what proportion of staff of each body this represented in each year; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what the average duration of single periods of sick leave taken by staff in  (a) his Department and its predecessor,  (b) its agencies and  (c) the non-departmental bodies for which it has responsibility who gave (i) stress and (ii) mental health and behavioural disorders as the reason for their absence has been since the Department was established; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: Sickness absence figures for the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills for the year ending 31 March 2008 are available on its website:
	www.dius.gov.uk/press/civil_sickness.html.
	It is not possible to separate information on absence relating to stress and mental health and behavioural disorders as these are grouped together under 'mental disorders'. As the Department was not created until 28 June 2007, the sickness absence figures reported include the actual sickness absence for the period July 2007 to March 2008, with estimated figures given for the period April 2008 to June 2008. The figures include the Department's two agencies, the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) and the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), but they do not include the non-departmental public bodies as the information for them is not held centrally.
	Absence management is a high priority for the Department. We are aware of the importance of tackling stress, mental health and behavioural issues and are taking positive steps to manage these issues.

Departmental Sick Leave

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the average duration of single periods of sick leave taken by staff in  (a) his Department,  (b) its agencies and  (c) the non-departmental bodies for which it has responsibility since the Department was established; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: Sickness absence figures for the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills for the year ending 31 March 2008 are available on its website
	www.dius.gov.uk/press/civil sickness.html.
	As the Department was not created until 28 June 2007, the sickness absence figures reported include the actual sickness absence for the period July 2007 to March 2008, with estimated figures given for the period April 2008 to June 2008. The figures include the Department's two agencies, the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) and the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), but they do not include the non-departmental public bodies as the information for them is not held centrally.
	Absence management is a high priority for the Department. We are aware of the importance of tackling stress, mental health and behavioural issues and are taking positive steps to manage these issues.

Departmental Sick Pay

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many staff in  (a) his Department,  (b) its agencies and  (c) the non-departmental bodies for which it has responsibility have received sick pay for sick leave due to (i) stress and (ii) mental health and behavioural disorders since the Department was established; what the average length of time was for which sick pay was paid in these cases; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: Since the formation of the Department to 31 March 2008, 1,034 (52 per cent.) staff from the Department and its agencies have taken a period of sick leave and will have received sick pay but it is not possible to break this down to stress, mental health and behavioural disorders and other illnesses without incurring disproportionate cost. We do know that just under 21 per cent. of all days sickness absence in my Department are due to mental disorders, including stress, and that 958 staff (48 per cent.) have not taken any sick leave in the period described. These figures include the Department's two agencies, the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) and the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), but they do not include the non-departmental public bodies as the information for them is not held centrally.
	My Department is aware of the importance of tackling stress, mental health and behavioural issues. Later this year we will be publishing a new stress prevention and management policy called 'building resilience'. We will also be providing learning and development for line managers and mental health awareness events from September.

Further Education: Student Wastage

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many students in further education in England failed to complete their course in the last 12 months; and how many of them were in  (a) the final year of their course and  (b) the first year of their course (i) in total and (ii) broken down by region.

Bill Rammell: Table 1 shows the percentage and number of students that failed to complete their course in 2006/07 for FE colleges, Work Based Learning (WBL) and Train to Gain (TTG) separately. The figures are calculated using different methodologies and should not be used to compare performance between the sectors. Similar figures for Personal and Community Development Learning are not available.
	Data on how many learners dropped out in the first and second years respectively are not available.
	Table 2 shows the percentage and number of FE college students that failed to complete their course by region in 2005/06. Similar analysis for later years and for WBL and TTG is not available.
	
		
			  Table 1: Percentage and number of students that failed to complete their course in 2006/07 for FE colleges, WBL and TTG 
			  Sector  Starts (thousand)  Percentage early leavers  Number early leavers (thousand) 
			 FE colleges 3,567 12.6 449 
			 WBL 181 32.7 59 
			 TTG 93 40.2 37 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Percentage and number of FE college students that failed to complete their course by region in 2005/06 
			  Sector  Starts  Percentage early leavers  Number early leavers (thousand) 
			 East of England 325 13.0 50 
			 East Midlands 363 12.7 53 
			 Greater London 744 11.8 98 
			 North East 244 12.1 35 
			 North West 661 13.7 97 
			 South East 608 13.2 86 
			 South West 470 13.7 71 
			 West Midlands 591 12.8 80 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 464 14.4 75 
			 England 4,470 13.0 645

Higher Education: Blackpool

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how much his Department and its predecessors spent on  (a) higher education and  (b) further education in Blackpool in each year since 1997.

Bill Rammell: Expenditure incurred by HEFCE, the Student Loans Company and the Learning and Skills Council is not collected by my Department at the level of detail requested. We will, however, work with HEFCE and the Student Loans Company to try to gain a detailed breakdown of the higher education expenditure and will write to the hon. Member with further relevant detail. Mark Haysom, the LSC's Chief Executive, will write to the hon. Gentleman with additional information on further education expenditure.

Personal Injury

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the highest 10 payments made by his Department in settlement of personal injury claims brought against it were over the last 12 months for which figures are available; which of those cases were  (a) contested and  (b) uncontested by the Department; and what the nature of the incident was in each case.

David Lammy: There have been no personal injury claims against the Department.

Students: Debts

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of graduates who have not repaid any of their student loan in the latest period for which figures are available.

Bill Rammell: Borrowers are liable to begin repaying their student loans from the April after they finish or leave their course. Student loans borrowers with income-contingent loans, which were introduced in 1998, repay at a rate of 9 per cent. of earnings above 15,000 per year.
	Those earning less than 15,000 are not required to repay. Repayments are collected through the tax system, usually by employers, in the same way as income tax and National Insurance contributions and are therefore automatically deducted. Therefore borrowers covered by the PAYE UK tax system are not able to get into arrears. Self employed borrowers make repayments through the self assessment system.
	Borrowers with the older mortgage-style loans repay over a fixed term whenever their income exceeds the repayment threshold, usually through direct debits. The threshold for mortgage-style loans is 85 per cent. of national average earnings, 25,287 from 1 September 2007. Borrowers who demonstrate that their income is below the threshold and for whom the Student Loans Company (SLC) has agreed a deferment of repayment will not make any repayments.
	Most of the following provisional information is taken from the Statistical First Release Student Loans for Higher Education in England, Financial Year 2007-08 published by the Student Loans Company in June 2008:
	http://www.slc.co.uk/pdf/slcsfr022008.pdf
	At the end of the 2007-08 financial year there were 1,237,300 income-contingent loan borrowers and nearly 341,100 mortgage-style loan borrowers past statutory repayment due date, i.e. due to repay loans if their income was above the relevant threshold.
	
		
			  Income-contingent loan borrowers( 1)  March 2008 
			 Non-repayment categories (records being matched and information being collected) 71,100 
			 Below earnings threshold not repaying 384,300 
			 Living overseasin arrears(2) 500 
			 Not yet repaying subtotal 455,900 
			 SLC awaiting first year HMRC returnrepayment status not yet determined(3) 254,600 
			 Above earnings threshold -repaying 374,700 
			 Currently below earnings threshold but have made repayments via the tax, system during the last year(4) 152,100 
			 (1) Excludes borrowers not yet required to repay because they are still in higher education or have recently left and those with accounts being fully repaid, written-off or closed. (2) May have made repayments that did not bring their accounts up to date. (3) Those for whom the first tax year return has not yet been received by SLC so their repayment status cannot yet be determined. This will include some borrowers who are repaying and SLC will be passed details of their repayments after the end of their first tax year of repaying. (4) Those whose earnings have fluctuated during the year and who have therefore made repayments in some months but have earnings below the threshold at the end of the financial year. 
		
	
	The income-contingent loan scheme is still relatively young; the first cohort of borrowers completing three year courses became liable to begin repaying in April 2002 if their income was above the repayment threshold. Therefore a higher proportion of borrowers are new graduates, who will be new to the labour market, than will be the case in steady state. The figures also reflect the time delay of up to 18 months between graduates starting to repay, and when information on the repayments they have made is available to SLC. This is because repayments are made through the tax system. HMRC receives an annual P14 return from employers, setting out the deductions they have made in the past year, and passes on this information to SLC to update borrowers' accounts. Despite the inevitable time lags, collecting student loans through the tax system remains the most efficient and cost-effective method.
	The vast majority of income-contingent borrowers who are not repaying (84 per cent. of those not repaying) earn below the 15,000 threshold and are not therefore required to make any repayments. Repayments for a further 16 per cent. have not yet started because details are still being matched with employer's records or other information that is being collected.
	Borrowers living overseas who have not yet repaid the amount they were scheduled to repay represent 0.04 per cent. of income-contingent borrowers covered in the table and 0.1 per cent. of those not repaying. The Student Loans Company has arrangements in place for repayments to be scheduled from borrowers living overseas and these borrowers are made aware of the methods of repayment available to them. Effective collection across the EU is underpinned by EC regulation 44/2001, which allows the SLC to obtain judgements in UK courts, which can be enforced by courts in other EU countries.
	
		
			  Mortgage-style loan borrowers March 2008( 1) 
			  Deferring repayments until following year( 2)  
			 Deferring repayments 133,800 
			 Deferring repayments with arrears 6,500 
			   
			  In arrears (may have made repayments that did not bring accounts up to date)  
			 Owing less than 2 months repayments(1) 2,200 
			 Owing 2 or more months repayments(1) 23,900 
			 Overdue with no repayment schedule owing less than 100(1) 2,200 
			 Overdue with no repayment schedule owing 100 or more(1) 53,500 
			   
			  Repaying  
			 Ahead with repayments 37,300 
			 Up to date with repayments 87,100 
			   
			  Account closed  
			 Fully repaid since loans introduced 534,300 
			 Cancelled/written-off since loans introduced 71,800 
			 (1) Individual borrowers may be counted in more than one category if they have loan accounts in more than one status. (2) Borrowers with mortgage-style loans who have income below the repayment threshold are entitled to apply for deferment of repayment for one year at a time. 
		
	
	Of those borrowers who have received mortgage-style loans since their introduction in 1990, 56 per cent. have fully replaced and a further 8 per cent. have had their loans cancelled or written-off for reasons such as age, death, or becoming disabled and permanently unable to work. Around 23 per cent. are currently deferring or have arrears. Mortgage-style loans were replaced by income-contingent loans from 1998.

Students: Fees and Charges

Robert Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the Government's policy is on permitting medical students with a first degree from a UK institution to defer payment of up-front tuition fees.

Bill Rammell: Fee support has always been restricted for people who have already had a chance to experience higher education. Students with an honours degree from a UK institution are not eligible for tuition fee loans for a second undergraduate degree. For medical students who have already achieved a first degree, the position has not changed. The student support arrangements are designed to support one opportunity to take a full-time course of higher education.
	However, graduate medical students are eligible for loans for living costs and supplementary grants for the second undergraduate degree, because of a special dispensation for students studying for a professional qualification.
	The Department of Health supports medical students on the full undergraduate course in years 5 and 6. For graduates on the four-year accelerated courses these students have their fees paid and receive means-tested bursaries for years 2 to 4 of the accelerated course.

Students: Fees and Charges

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many and what percentage of students began undergraduate courses in England on fees varied from the statutory permissible maximum in each year since the introduction of the Higher Education Act 2003.

Ian Pearson: Variable fees were introduced in 2006/07. In that year new entrants to higher education could be charged up to 3,000. Increases are limited to the rate of inflation until at least 2010. Universities charging variable fees have to have an access agreement with the Office For Fair Access (OFFA) and are required to provide bursaries to students receiving the full Maintenance Grant. Many offer considerably more than the minimum bursary required. Fees can vary by course as well as institution.
	
		
			  English domiciled full-time undergraduate entrants to English higher education institutions by fee status 2006/07 
			  Fee status of institution  New entrants( 1)  Percentage of students 
			 Institutions charging full fee 277,200 93 
			 Institutions not charging full fee 19,445 7 
			 (1) Figures are on a HESA Standard Registration Population basis and are rounded to the nearest five.  Sources: OFFA lists of institutions by fee status; Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record

Students: Loans

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills if he will break down the data in Tables 1, 2(ii) and 2(iii) of the Press Release entitled Student Loans for Higher Education in England, Financial Year 2007-08 (Provisional), issued on 17 June 2008 by  (a) students domiciled in England,  (b) students domiciled in the UK but not in England and  (c) students domiciled in the EU but not in the UK.

Bill Rammell: The Student Loans Company (SLC) publication Student Loans for Higher Education in England Financial Year 2007-08 (provisional) covers loans to English domiciled students studying in the UK and EU domiciled students studying in England. SLC produces separate publications for the other home countries, in consultation with the devolved administrations.
	EU domiciled students studying in England may apply for tuition fee loans, first introduced in September 2006. They are not eligible for maintenance loans. Table 2(ii) of the England publication which has been placed in the Library covers the older mortgage-style maintenance loans only, and is therefore covering only England domiciled students. Table 2(iii) which has also been placed in the Library shows EU domiciled students in separate columns, the remainder of the table covers England domiciled students.

Students: Loans

Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many live accounts are held by the Student Loan Company for which no repayment is currently being received, broken down by reason for the lack of repayment.

Bill Rammell: Borrowers are liable to begin repaying their student loans from the April after they finish or leave their course. Student loans borrowers with income-contingent loans, which were introduced in 1998, repay at a rate of 9 per cent. of earnings above 15,000 per year. Those earning less than 15,000 are not required to repay. Repayments are collected through the tax system, usually by employers, in the same way as income tax and National Insurance contributions and are therefore automatically deducted. Therefore borrowers covered by the PAYE UK tax system are not able to get into arrears. Self employed borrowers make repayments through the Self Assessment system.
	Borrowers with the older mortgage-style loans repay over a fixed term whenever their income exceeds the repayment threshold, usually through direct debits. The threshold for mortgage-style loans is 85 per cent. of national average earnings, 25,287 from 1 September 2007. Borrowers who demonstrate that their income is below the threshold and for whom the Student Loans Company (SLC) has agreed a deferment of repayment will not make any repayments.
	Most of the following provisional information is taken from the Statistical First Release Student Loans for Higher Education in England, Financial Year 2007-08 published by the Student Loans Company in June 2008:
	http://www.slc.co.uk/pdf/slcsfr022008.pdf
	At the end of the 2007-08 financial year there were 1,237,300 income-contingent loan borrowers and nearly 341,100 mortgage-style loan borrowers past statutory repayment due date, i.e. due to repay loans if their income was above the relevant threshold.
	
		
			  Income-contingent loan borrowers( 1)  March 2008 
			 Non-repayment categories (records being matched and information being collected) 71,100 
			 Below earnings threshold not repaying 384,300 
			 Living overseasin arrears(2) 500 
			 Not yet repaying subtotal 455,900 
			 SLC awaiting first year HMRC returnrepayment status not yet determined(3) 254,600 
			 Above earnings threshold -repaying 374,700 
			 Currently below earnings threshold but have made repayments via the tax system during the last year(4) 152,100 
			 (1) Excludes borrowers not yet required to repay because they are still in higher education or have recently left and those with accounts being fully repaid, written-off or closed. (2) May have made repayments that did not bring their accounts up to date. (3) Those for whom the first tax year return has not yet been received by SLC so their repayment status cannot yet be determined. This will include some borrowers who are repaying and SLC will be passed details of their repayments after the end of their first tax year of repaying. (4) Those whose earnings have fluctuated during the year and who have therefore made repayments in some months but have earnings below the threshold at the end of the financial year. 
		
	
	The income-contingent loan scheme is still relatively young; the first cohort of borrowers completing three year courses became liable to begin repaying in April 2002 if their income was above the repayment threshold. Therefore a higher proportion of borrowers are new graduates, who will be new to the labour market, than will be the case in steady state. The figures also reflect the time delay of up to 18 months between graduates starting to repay, and when information on the repayments they have made is available to SLC. This is because repayments are made through the tax system. HMRC receives an annual P14 return from employers, setting out the deductions they have made in the past year, and passes on this information to SLC to update borrowers' accounts. Despite the inevitable time lags, collecting student loans through the tax system remains the most efficient and cost-effective method.
	The vast majority of income-contingent borrowers who are not repaying (84 per cent. of those not repaying) earn below the 15,000 threshold and are not therefore required to make any repayments. Repayments for a further 16 per cent. have not yet started because details are still being matched with employer's records or other information that is being collected.
	Borrowers living overseas who have not yet repaid the amount they were scheduled to repay represent 0.04 per cent. of income-contingent borrowers covered in the table and 0.1 per cent. of those not repaying. The Student Loans Company has arrangements in place for repayments to be scheduled from borrowers living overseas and these borrowers are made aware of the methods of repayment available to them. Effective collection across the EU is underpinned by EC regulation 44/2001, which allows the SLC to obtain judgements in UK courts, which can be enforced by courts in other EU countries.
	
		
			  Mortgage-style loan borrowers March 2008( 1) 
			  Deferring repayments until following year( 2)  
			 Deferring repayments 133,800 
			 Deferring repayments with arrears 6,500 
			   
			  In arrears (may have made repayments that did not bring accounts up to date)  
			 Owing less than 2 months repayments(1) 2,200 
			 Owing 2 or more months repayments(1) 23,900 
			 Overdue with no repayment schedule owing less than 100(1) 2,200 
			 Overdue with no repayment schedule owing 100 or more(1) 53,500 
			   
			  Repaying  
			 Ahead with repayments 37,300 
			 Up to date with repayments 87,100 
			   
			  Account closed  
			 Fully repaid since loans introduced 534,300 
			 Cancelled/written-off since loans introduced 71,800 
			 (1) Individual borrowers may be counted in more than one category if they have loan accounts in more than one status. (2) Borrowers with mortgage-style loans who have income below the repayment threshold are entitled to apply for deferment of repayment for one year at a time. 
		
	
	Of those borrowers who have received mortgage-style loans since their introduction in 1990, 56 per cent. have fully repaid and a further 8 per cent. have had their loans cancelled or written-off for reasons such as age, death, or becoming disabled and permanently unable to work. Around 23 per cent. are currently deferring or have arrears. Mortgage-style loans were replaced by income-contingent loans from 1998.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Inland Waterways: Property

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many lock-keepers' cottages his Department plans to  (a) sell and  (b) let in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: The Environment Agency has put on hold any changes proposed by its lock house review until the completion of a full review of Waterways staff roles and responsibilities, and terms and conditions on the River Thames.
	No action will be taken to sell or rent lock houses until negotiations on the full review are completed. It is anticipated that negotiations will take six months but no action will be taken before 1 January 2009. The Environment Agency will then review the position on lock houses with lock-keepers and their representatives, and with concerned MPs.

Nitrates: Air Pollution

Susan Kramer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the merits of a UK derogation from the nitrogen oxide provisions of the EU Air Quality Directive; whether he plans to meet the European Commission to discuss the matter; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: The UK is working to meet ambient air quality limit values in the shortest time possible. The UK Air Quality Strategy provides full details which can be found on the DEFRA website. The nitrogen dioxide limit values are extremely challenging and current projections indicate that despite these efforts, the UK, like most other member states, expects to report breaches beyond the 2010 compliance deadline. Subject to a full public consultation, the Government will therefore need to use the provision in the new Ambient Air Quality Directive which gives the possibility of a further five years to meet the limit values.
	A successful application to the European Commission will need to demonstrate how compliance with the limit values will be achieved by 2015. The Government, with the devolved Administrations, are currently working to establish the extent and nature of the measures that will be required.
	In the meantime, my officials are working closely with other member states and the European Commission in taking this issue forward.

Sewers

Paddy Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what timetable he proposes for the adoption of private sewers; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: The Government announced in February 2007 their decision to transfer private sewers and lateral drains draining to the public sewerage system into water company ownership. We subsequently published a public consultation in July 2007 on implementation options for the proposed transfer. The consultation also posed questions on the scope of assets to be included in the transfer and ways in which the creation of new private sewers could be prevented.
	A summary of responses was published in March 2008 and we are currently considering in detail the issues raised with the help of a steering group of key stakeholders. The work of the steering group will inform the decision on the timing of transfer and we expect to make an announcement later this year.

Sewers

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 22 May 2008,  Official Report, column 404W, on sewers, when the steering group expects to complete its work on the proposed transfer of private sewers; and when he expects to announce his decision on the timing of transfer.

Phil Woolas: The steering group has almost concluded its work and we expect to make an announcement later this year.

Water: EC Action

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations his Department has received on the provisions of the proposed EU Water Performance Directive for Buildings.

Phil Woolas: DEFRA has received no representations on a directive proposal but has been engaging with the European Commission regarding the communication on water scarcity and drought.
	The communication identifies a wide range of policies to reduce water scarcity including a proposal for a study to consider the need for a directive similar to the energy performance directive on the water performance of buildings.

Weedkillers

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons the Pesticides Safety Directorate has withdrawn its provisional authorisation for aminopyralid.

Phil Woolas: The Pesticides Safety Directorate has amended the approvals of aminopyralid containing products to remove approval for sale, supply and use at the request of the approval holder.

Weedkillers

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what date  (a) (i) the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) and (ii) the relevant Minister was informed that the manufacturers of aminopyralid had withdrawn it,  (b) the PSD recommended that the provisional authorisation for aminopyralid should be withdrawn and  (c) a Minister decided to withdraw the provisional authorisation.

Phil Woolas: Following PSD calling the main approval holder for aminopyralid to a meeting, the approval holder asked on 21 July 2008 for their product approval to be modified to remove approval for sale, supply and use. PSD accepted this application and accordingly issued a notice amending the conditions of approval with effect from 23 July 2008.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Child Benefit

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many new child benefit claims have been made in each of the last 12 months; and how many and what proportion of those claims have been made by  (a) UK and  (b) EU citizens resident outside the UK.

Jane Kennedy: I have been asked to reply.
	The information is not available in the format requested.

Child Benefit: Telephone Services

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much revenue the Child Benefit Helpline has generated in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: I have been asked to reply.
	I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 6 July 2008,  Official Report, column 827W.

Child Benefit: Telephone Services

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of callers to the Child Benefit Helpline whose call was logged with the promise of a call back within 24 hours received a call back in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested is not available.

Child Support Agency: Correspondence

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will arrange for a final reply to be sent to the hon. Member for Walsall North from the chief executive of the Child Support Agency (CSA) about a constituent of the hon. Member further to the CSA letter of 30 July 2008, reference PCO/177 431/CM/WOD.

Anne McGuire: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive. He will write to my hon. Friend with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty to Mr. Winnick:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will arrange for a final reply to be sent to the hon. Member for Walsall North from the Chief Executive of the Child Support Agency (CSA) about a constituent of the hon. Member further to the CSA letter of 30th July 2008 reference PCO/177 431/CM/WOD. (223188)
	As details about individual cases are confidential, I have written to you separately about this case.

Child Support Agency: ICT

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people who did not receive timeous payment as a result of the Child Support Agency's computer system failure in the first week of September 2008; what assessment he has made of the hardships likely to be caused to clients affected by the failure; what steps he plans to take to compensate those who have incurred bank charges and other financial penalties as a result of the failure; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the number of people who did not receive timeous payment as a result of the Child Support Agency's computer system failure in the first week of September 2008; what assessment he has made of the hardships likely to be caused to clients affected by the failure; what steps he plans to take to compensate those who have incurred bank charges and other financial penalties as a result of the failure; and if he will make a statement.
	The Agency is not aware of a computer system failure in the first week of September 2008 which has affected payments to clients.
	If you have any concerns relating to a particular case, I would be happy to investigate and respond accordingly.
	I hope you find this answer helpful.

Children: Maintenance

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many new scheme cases were handled by the Child Support Agency in  (a) Jarrow constituency,  (b) South Tyneside,  (c) the North East  and (d) the UK in each year since 1997;
	(2)  how many old scheme cases were handled by the Child Support Agency in  (a) Jarrow constituency,  (b) South Tyneside,  (c) the North East and  (d) the UK in each year since 1997.

Stephen Timms: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive. He will write to my hon. Friend with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	and
	How many old scheme cases were handled by the Child Support Agency in (a) Jarrow constituency (b) South Tyneside (c) the North East and (d) the UK in each year since 1997.
	The Agency's Quarterly Summary Statistics contains information on its caseload in Table 1, and additional information at the geographical areas requested for the most recent quarter only in tables S1a and S1b. The latest copy is available in the House of Commons library or via the internet at:
	www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/csa.asp.
	The attached table contains the number of cases with a calculation or an assessment for each of the years and areas that you have requested.
	I hope you find this answer helpful.
	
		
			  Child Support Agency caseload by scheme 
			   Great Britain Caseload  North East Caseload 
			  Month  Old Scheme  New Scheme  Old Scheme  New Scheme 
			 May 1997 609,800 n/a 38,800 n/a 
			 May 1998 785,500 n/a 50,700 n/a 
			 May 1999 942,300 n/a 63,900 n/a 
			 May 2000 1,040,000 n/a 72,100 n/a 
			 May 2001 1,035,400 n/a 72,900 n/a 
			 May 2002 1,077,000 n/a 75,400 n/a 
			 June 2003 985,400 7,100 66,400 300 
			 June 2004 893,500 123,500 58,200 6,300 
			 June 2005 845,000 229,100 57,400 13,100 
			 June 2006 788,200 364,700 53,800 20,600 
			 June 2007 707,600 497,600 49,400 29,000 
			 June 2008 635,100 612,300 44,500 35,800 
		
	
	
		
			   South Tyneside Caseload  Jarrow Caseload 
			  Month  Old Scheme  New Scheme  Old Scheme  New Scheme 
			 May 1997 2,100 n/a 1,100 n/a 
			 May 1998 3,000 n/a 1,400 n/a 
			 May 1999 3,500 n/a 1,800 n/a 
			 May 2000 4,200 n/a 2,100 n/a 
			 May 2001 4,100 n/a 1,800 n/a 
			 May 2002 4,200 n/a 1,900 n/a 
			 June 2003 4,000  1,800  
			 June 2004 3,600 400 1,600 200 
			 June 2005 3,600 900 1,600 500 
			 June 2006 3,500 1,400 1,600 700 
			 June 2007 3,200 1,900 1,500 1,000 
			 June 2008 2,900 2,400 1,300 1,200 
			  Notes: 1. Figures include all cases with a calculation/assessment, including nil liability calculations and assessments. 2. Cases have been allocated to the North East, Jarrow Parliamentary Constituency and South Tyneside Local Authority by matching the postcode of the parent with care against the Office for National Statistics postcode directory. 3. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100. 4. '' indicates a figure less than 50.

Disability Living Allowance: Sight Impaired

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what recent representations he has received on changes to the mobility component of disability living allowance for blind and visually-impaired people;
	(2)  what progress has been made in implementing changes to the mobility component of disability living allowance received by blind and visually-impaired people.

Anne McGuire: We have received a number of representations from hon. Members, organisations and members of the public on this issue.
	We have been in long-term discussions with the Royal National Institute of Blind People and others on whether there is scope to extend the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance to people with severe visual impairments. While we understand the force of the arguments put forward by the Royal National Institute of Blind People, and are sympathetic to their aims, we cannot at this time commit to amending the existing arrangements for the mobility component of disability living allowance.
	The Green Paper, No one written off: reforming welfare to reward responsibility Cm 7363, published on 21 July, sets out our strategy to help greater numbers of sick and disabled people who want to work to fulfil their aspirations. Part of this strategy is the proposal to increase the access to work budget to help greater numbers of disabled people return to and remain in work. Currently, around one in four customers of access to work are people with a visual impairment.

Employment: Mothers

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what research his Department has conducted into the quality of the assistance and advice given to mothers seeking employment.

Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions conducts a wide range of research to inform the strategic development and operational delivery of its policies. This includes formal evaluations of employment programmes and pilots, as well as more strategic research on work-related and service delivery issues. Other research considers, more broadly, customer satisfaction with various aspects of Jobcentre Plus provision.
	Given the importance of reducing child poverty, research on mothers' employment patterns and their experiences of and attitudes to work is a key strand of the Department's research programme. This includes a comprehensive programme of evaluation of employment programmes for which mothers are eligible, including the new deal for lone parents, work focused interviews for lone parents, and new deal for partners, as well as focussing on issues specific to mothers' employment such as child care.
	A list of relevant recently published research has been placed in the Library.

Housing Benefit: Arrears

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applications for 52 week backdating of housing benefit have been received in each of the last five years; and how many and what percentage of those applications were successful.

Stephen Timms: I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer the Parliamentary Under-Secretary gave the hon. Member for Cardiff, Central, (Jenny Willott), on 22 July 2008,  Official Report, column 1173W.

Jobcentres: Location

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his Department's estimate is of the proportion of benefits claimants who live  (a) within 10 miles,  (b) within 20 miles,  (c) within 30 miles and  (d) further than 30 miles from a Job Centre Plus office; and if he will make a statement.

Anne McGuire: The information is not available.

Self-Employed: Parents

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many self-employed parents had children aged 15 years or under at the latest date for which figures are available.

Phil Hope: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 10 September 2008:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question on how many self-employed parents had children aged 15 years or under at the latest date for which figures are available. (223343)
	Estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) household datasets for the period April to June 2008 show there were 1.26 million self-employed parents who had dependent children aged 15 years or under.
	The LFS is a sample survey covering over 52,000 households in the United Kingdom in each three month period. As with any sample survey, estimates from the Labour Force Survey are subject to a margin of uncertainty.

TREASURY

Animal Products: Imports

James Paice: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what resources HM Revenue and Customs and its predecessors deployed to control imports of products of animal origin in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many checks designed to detect products of animal origin were conducted by HM Revenue and Customs at UK ports of entry in each of the last five years.

Jane Kennedy: All front-line customs detection staff are employed to tackle a range of risks at the border and most work on a multi functional basis. These working arrangements continue to operate following the transfer of these staff to the interim UK Border Agency's management structure with effect from 1 April 2008.
	HM Revenue and Customs and before that, HM Customs and Excise deployed front-line enforcement staff to detect illegal products of animal origin (POAO) imports at points of entry into Great Britain as follows:
	
		
			  POAO resources 
			  Financial year  Detection FTE staff years used  Number  of detector  dogs 
			 2003-04 86.4 6 
			 2004-05 105.5 10 
			 2005-06 155.3 10 
			 2006-07 250.9 11 
			 2007-08 185.6 11 
		
	
	Front-line staff are supported by POAO detector dogs. The detector dog programme has expanded from two in April 2003 to 11 in 2007-08. The actual number available for deployment can differ according to the need to train new dogs and handlers and to replace dogs through retirements and ill health.
	Resources were also deployed in each of the last five financial years to deal with storage and destruction of seized meat and other POAO, publicising the regulations to the travelling public, investigation and prosecution work supported by policy activities.
	The information sought on detection checks is not available as HMRC central records do not include any statistics on the number of checks carried out by detection staff.

Child Care Vouchers

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 2 July 2008 on child care vouchers, if he will publish his Department's analysis of the care vouchers scheme for carers sponsored by Accor Services UK, Busy Bees Ltd, Grassroots Group and Sodexho Pass.

Angela Eagle: HM Treasury have a contract with Accor Services UK for the provision of child care vouchers.
	HM Treasury do not undertake a formal analysis of the child care scheme but do review take-up, budget and expenditure on a frequent basis.

Council Tax: Valuation

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 6 May 2008,  Official Report, column 818W, on council tax: valuation, what the cost of licensing the TENET mapping software is to the Valuation Office Agency each year.

Jane Kennedy: The information concerned is commercially sensitive

Council Tax: Valuation

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to the Valuation Office Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007-08, HC 583, what assessment the Valuation Office Agency has made of the reasons for its failure to meet its target for providing a considered decision on council tax enquiries and proposals within two months of receipt in 98 per cent. of cases.

Jane Kennedy: The reasons are set out in the report and accounts at page 20.

Departmental Alcoholic Drinks

David Simpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what purchasing process is used by his Department for the procurement of alcohol for hospitality purposes.

Angela Eagle: I refer to the answer given to the hon. member for Upper Bann (David Simpson) on 21 July 2008,  Official Report, column 716W.

Departmental Cleaning Services

John McDonnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contractors his Department uses to undertake cleaning duties; and what the hourly rates of pay are for cleaners working in the Department.

Jane Kennedy: Services such as cleaning are provided in 1 Horse Guards Road as part of a PFI contract with Exchequer Partnership (EP). One Complete Solution (OCS) deliver the cleaning element of those services.
	These services are currently being market tested by EP and it would be inappropriate to disclose details of pay rates at this time.

Departmental Disciplinary Proceedings

John Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff in his Department and its agencies have been  (a) dismissed and  (b) disciplined for their conduct in the last two years.

Angela Eagle: Responses for HM Treasury, OGC, OGCbuyingsolutions and Debt Management Office are as follows.
	
		
			  Department  Number of staff disciplined in last two years  Number of staff dismissed in the last two years 
			 HMT 13 Less than 5 
			 OGC Less than 5 Less than 5 
			 OGCbuyingsolutions Less than 5 Less than 5 
			 DMO 0 0

Departmental ICT

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information technology projects initiated by his Department have been cancelled prior to completion in the last five years; and what the cost of each such project was to the public purse.

Angela Eagle: No IT projects have been cancelled prior to completion in the last five years.

Departmental Manpower

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many  (a) UK citizens born in the UK,  (b) UK citizens born abroad and  (c) foreign nationals were employed as staff by his Department and its agencies in each of the last five years.

Angela Eagle: The information requested is as follows:
	
		
			  Number of staff employed each year 
			   2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			 UK citizens born in the UK  
			 Royal Mint 1,124 985 1,088 1,008 893 
			 NS and I 14 15 16 18 21 
			 HMT 731 795 783 835 877 
			   
			 UK citizens born abroad  
			 Royal Mint 6 6 7 8 6 
			 NS and I 0 2 0 0 0 
			 HMT 79 77 77 92 85 
			 Foreign nationals  
			 Royal Mint 1 0 1 1 3 
			 NS and I 1 4 4 5 6 
			 HMT 3 4 9 19 33 
		
	
	For HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) the information is as follows:
	
		
			  HMRC  2007  2008 
			 UK citizens 101,869 100,799 
			 Non UK nationals 489 504 
		
	
	HMRC was created in April 2005. Data are not available for the three years prior to 2007. HMRC does not ask staff whether they were born in the UK.
	Information for the Debt Management Office, the Valuation Office Agency, the Office of Government Commerce, OGCbuyingsolutions and the Government Actuary's Department is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Pay

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was claimed in reimbursable expenses by press officers in his Department and its agencies in each of the last three financial years.

Angela Eagle: Total of reimbursable expenses claimed by press officers in the last three financial years by HMT and its agencies, OGC, DMO, OGCB is as follows.
	
		
			   Reimbursable expenses claimed () 
			 2005-06 6,706.62 
			 2006-07 7,221.03 
			 2007-08 1,967.78

Departmental Sick Pay

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff in  (a) his Department,  (b) its agencies and  (c) the non-departmental bodies for which it has responsibility have received sick pay for sick leave due to (i) stress and (ii) mental health and behavioural disorders in each of the last 10 years; what the average length of time was for which sick pay was paid in these cases; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to questions answered on 8 July 2008,  Official Report, column reference 1478-1479W.
	Actual sick pay costs can be provided only at disproportionate costs.

Equitable Life

Gordon Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what plans he has to publish the advice he has commissioned on the Parliamentary Ombudsman's recent report on Equitable Life;
	(2)  what estimate his Department has made of the losses incurred by Equitable Life policyholders as a result of the company's collapse;
	(3)  what assessment his Department has made of the Parliamentary Ombudsman's recent report on Equitable Life;

Michael Fallon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to respond to the recommendations of the Parliamentary Ombudsman in respect of Equitable Life.

Simon Hughes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he has given to the Parliamentary Ombudsman's report Equitable Life: A decade of regulatory failure; and what plans he has to respond to the recommendations made in the report.

Tim Farron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will establish a compensation scheme under an independent tribunal for policyholders in the Equitable Life Assurance Company.

Kitty Ussher: As I explained in my written statement to the House on 17 July, the ombudsman has looked at matters of considerable factual and technical complexity. I am giving her 2,800 page report very careful consideration and will give my response to the House in the autumn.

Frieght

Stephen Ladyman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many winding-up orders of companies involved in road haulage have been requested by HM Revenue and Customs in  (a) each month since April 2007 and  (b) each financial year between 1990 and 2007.

Jane Kennedy: The information requested is not available.

HM Revenue and Customs

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 10 July 2008,  Official Report, column 1786W, on HM Revenue and Customs, what the estate costs of  (a) Swinson House,  (b) Hilary House,  (c) Cherry Court, Hull and  (d) Custom House, Hull were in the 12 months before each building was transferred to Mapeley STEPS Contractor Ltd.

Jane Kennedy: The transfer of properties to Mapeley STEPS Contractor Ltd. took place in April 2001. Expenditure details prior to April 2005 and the creation of HM Revenue and Customs are not available other than at disproportionate cost.

Members: Correspondence

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to reply to the letter dated 4 June 2008 from the right hon. Member for Banff and Buchan on his constituent, Mr. Rawles of Turriff.

Jane Kennedy: A reply has been sent to the right hon. Member.

Members: Correspondence

David Winnick: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the hon. Member for Walsall North's letter of 10 July 2008 regarding a constituent, reference 1/59111/2008.

Angela Eagle: I have now done so and regret not being in a position to write to my hon. Friend earlier.

Mortgages

Gordon Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent steps his Department has taken on mortgage  (a) access and  (b) provision for potential house purchasers.

Kitty Ussher: On 2 September, the Government announced a series of measures to help first time buyers get on to the housing ladder, help homeowners in difficulty and support the house building industry. Information on these measures is available at H.M. Treasury website:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/newsroom_and_speeches/press/2008/press_88_08.cfm
	and the Department for Communities and Local Government website:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/950558.

Personal Savings

Graham Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the maximum monthly sum for investment into a Save As You Earn Sharesave Plan for employees if the 250 limit set in 1991 had been increased in line with the retail prices index.

Kitty Ussher: No such estimate has been made. The average monthly amount saved by most employees under SAYE is considerably less than the current limit.

Property: Valuation

Graham Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of private dwelling sales were valued at 175,000 or less in the most recent year for which figures are available, broken down by  (a) parliamentary constituency and  (b) region and devolved Administration area.

Kitty Ussher: Data on property transactions up to 2007the most recent year for which figures are publishedcan be found at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/survey_of_prop/index.htm
	These data include property transactions by type of property and price as well as the number and value of property transactions broken down by parliamentary constituency.

Revenue and Customs: Labour Turnover

Jim Cousins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the staff turnover rate was in each HM Revenue and Customs office in each of the last five years.

Jane Kennedy: HMRC does not hold resignation and other staff wastage data for individual locations for the years 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, or 2006-07. Accurate data for 2007-08 is not yet available.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what realignments have been made to the communities budget for England as a result of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (Exemption of Certain Acquisitions of Residential Property) Regulations 2008; and if he will make a statement.

Kitty Ussher: The Chancellor will publish a full update on the Government's fiscal plans in the pre-Budget report this autumn, in the usual way.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the effect of a suspension of stamp duty up to 175,000 on house price affordability in  (a) Cornwall,  (b) the South West and  (c) England.

Kitty Ussher: Stamp duty rates and thresholds apply uniformly throughout the UK. The temporary suspension of stamp duty on purchases of residential property of not more than 175,000 will mean that purchasers will save up to 1,750 on the transaction costs associated with moving.

Tax Credits

David Gauke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what the cost of distributing tax credit renewal packs was in the last 12 months for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many tax credit renewal packs were distributed in each of the last four years;

Jane Kennedy: The cost of posting the annual declaration and renewal packs for 2008 renewals was 2.95 million.
	The number of tax credits annual renewal packs issued in each of the last four years is shown in the following table:
	
		
			   Packs (Around) 
			 2004-05 7.6 million 
			 2005-06 8.2 million 
			 2006-07 8.8 million 
			 2007-08 9.0 million

Taxation: Aviation

Graham Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from  (a) airline operators,  (b) airport operators and  (c) overseas Governments on the proposed aviation duty; and which of these were (i) in favour and (ii) against the proposals.

Jane Kennedy: The consultation on the proposed aviation duty closed on 24 April 2008 and considered all aspects of the operation of the duty.
	Responses to the consultation were received from airline operators, airport operators and overseas Governments, among others.
	A summary of responses will be published in due course.

Taxation: Scotland

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what percentage of monies collected by his Department from local commission areas in Scotland is spent in Scotland;
	(2)  what criteria his Department uses to determine the percentage of monies raised in Scotland retained by the Government.

Jane Kennedy: The funding arrangements for the Scottish Executive are set out in the Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly: Statement of Funding Policy published by the Treasury in October 2007.

Taxation: Welsh Language

Mark Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Welsh language inquiries have been processed by HM Revenue and Customs in each of the last five years.

Jane Kennedy: The information is not available in the format requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Taxation: Welsh Language

Mark Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  which HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) offices will be able to deal with Welsh language enquiries following the planned reorganisation of HMRC;
	(2)  what provision he plans to make for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) offices to deal with Welsh language inquiries as part of the planned reorganisation of HMRC;

Jane Kennedy: HMRC remains committed to providing services to its Welsh speaking customers, in accordance with its Welsh Language scheme.
	The Welsh Language Contact Centre in Porthmadog and the VAT Helpline in Cardiff will continue, as now. Enquiries received by HMRC offices may need to be referred to the dedicated Welsh Language services based in Cardiff and Porthmadog.
	The Welsh Language Contact Centre in Porthmadog will continue to provide direct services to Welsh speaking customers who telephone, visit or write.
	The current arrangements for handling Welsh speaking callers to other Enquiry Centres will also remain in place.

Tobacco: Smuggling

David Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  if he will make an assessment of  (a) the track and trace system operated on tobacco and alcohol products in Turkey and  (b) proposals to introduce a track and trace system for tobacco products in Germany;
	(2)  what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the voluntary anti-smuggling agreement amongst tobacco companies on the amount of illicit tobacco entering the UK in the last year; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  whether all the tobacco companies supplying the UK market are party to the voluntary anti-smuggling agreement amongst tobacco companies.

Jane Kennedy: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has no specific plans to assess the systems introduced in Turkey to track and trace alcohol and tobacco products, nor any proposed system to track and trace tobacco products in Germany. However, HMRC keeps abreast of developments in track and trace technology through its regular contacts with tobacco manufacturers and customs authorities in other EU member states.
	The anti-counterfeit voluntary agreement between HMRC and tobacco manufacturers requires the incorporation of a covert security mark on packs of cigarettes and pouches of hand-rolling tobacco. The security mark was successfully incorporated onto packs of cigarettes for the UK market manufactured from October 2007, and it will be extended to cover pouches of hand-rolling tobacco manufactured from October 2008 as agreed. The intention of the security mark is to prevent counterfeit tobacco product from infiltrating the retail sector.
	The four largest tobacco manufacturers, representing over 97 per cent. of the UK cigarette market and all brands that are commonly counterfeited, have introduced the anti-counterfeit security technology.
	The Government have not made any estimate of the impact the agreement has had on the amount of illicit tobacco entering the UK in the last year.

Valuation Office Agency: Capgemini

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to page 56 of the Valuation Office Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007-08, HC 583, if he will provide a breakdown of the goods and services provided under the heading of Capgemini service charges.

Jane Kennedy: The goods and services provided under the heading of Capgemini service charges were:
	 Management of the Agreement
	Charge for managing the Agreement.
	 Business Applications Support and Maintenance (BASM )
	The maintenance and support of the VOA Business Applications.
	 Data Centre Operations
	The service covers the housing, operation, maintenance and monitoring of all the hardware and software components that reside within the Data Centre.
	 Desktop Services
	The service covers the activities related to managing, supporting and developing the VOA distributed computing environmentthis covers desktops and laptops.
	 Wide Area Network
	The service covers engineering, planning, provision and installation of all WAN hardware and software together with guidance, design, procurement and implementation of all new technologies and services.
	 Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
	This covers the requirement to have the appropriate level of continuity provision to ensure that the effects of an unexpected loss of services are minimised and that the restoration of the processes takes place within an acceptable and agreed time.
	 Other costs (including licences)

Valuation Office: Consultants

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 20 May 2008,  Official Report, column 211W, on Valuation Office: consultants, which each of the four consultancies are; and in which areas each is providing consultancy advice.

Jane Kennedy: Some of the information requested is commercially confidential. The work covered:
	1. Brand Vista: Research in connection with public sector customers and satisfaction levels.
	2. Two assignments: Assistance with the World Class delivery programme (set out in the Valuation Office Agency's Forward Plan 2008-11).
	3. Nixon Brooke: Advice on development of an internally developed IT work planning and monitoring application.

Valuation Office: Manuals

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to the answer of 18 October 2007,  Official Report, column 1279W, on Valuation Office: manuals, if he will place in the Library a copy of the  (a) rating support application valuation training support materials,  (b) district valuer services caseworker support IT training support materials and  (c) digital mapping user guide.

Jane Kennedy: These guidance manuals are technical instructions on the use of Valuation Office Agency internal IT applications and it would not be appropriate to make them public.

Valuation Office: ICT

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the Valuation Office Agency has spent on IT projects since January 2002, broken down by project.

Jane Kennedy: The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

JUSTICE

Administration of Justice: Information and Communications Technology

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the effects of malfunctions in the Libra computer system on the operation of the criminal justice system in the last 12 months.

Maria Eagle: The implementation of the Libra system has not had a significant impact upon overall performance in the criminal justice system over the last 12 months.
	The introduction of any new IT system and standardised business processes for the courts will inevitably have an initial impact on performance as they come to terms with new ways of working. Libra implementation has impacted upon resulting performance in some courts.
	Once fully implemented (by December 2008) the Libra system will provide a platform for greater efficiency and effectiveness in the magistrates court with positive benefits for other parts of the criminal justice system.

Criminal Records

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what proportion of  (a) men and  (b) women in Britain aged (i) under 16, (ii) 16 to 18 and (iii) 18 and over had a criminal record in (A) 1981, (B) 1991, (C) 1997, (D) 2001 and (E) 2007, broken down by police force area.

David Hanson: Figures on the proportions of the population with a criminal history in England and Wales can be found in 'Criminal careers of those born between 1953 and 1978' at:
	www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs/hosb401.pdf
	The bulletin gives figures for offenders who have had a court conviction for a 'standard list' offence. 'Standard list' offences include all indictable and certain of the more serious summary offences. This publication follows those born in particular years to analyse the percentage of the population with a criminal history. The years followed are 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973 and 1978.

Departmental Buildings

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what his Department's policy is on improving the energy efficiency of the buildings which it  (a) rents and  (b) owns; what changes there have been in the energy efficiency of such buildings in the last (i) five and (ii) 10 years; and whether his Department has adopted targets on energy efficiency improvements in the buildings it occupies over the next (A) five and (B) 10 years.

Michael Wills: The Ministry of Justice is taking the Government's sustainability agenda seriously and is actively working to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings which it rents and owns. The Department published its Sustainable Development Action Plan in March 2008 and is working towards the Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate targets:
	To increase the energy efficiency per m(2) by:
	15 per cent. by 2010, relative to 1999-2000 levels
	30 per cent. by 2020, relative to 1999-2000 levels, and
	To reduce CO2 emissions from the office estate by:
	12.5 per cent. by 2010-11, relative to 1999-2000 levels
	30 per cent. by 2020, relative to 1999-2000 levels.
	As the Ministry of Justice was created in May 2007 and was previously subject to significant machinery of government changes there would be a disproportionate cost to establish the changes in energy efficiency of buildings over the last five and ten years.

Departmental Buildings

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what account his Department takes of the level of energy efficiency of buildings before entering into agreements to  (a) rent and  (b) purchase those buildings.

Michael Wills: The Ministry of Justice is taking the Government's sustainability agenda seriously and is actively working to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings which it rents and owns. The Department published its sustainable development action plan in March 2008 and is working towards the sustainable operations on the Government estate targets:
	To increase the energy efficiency per m(2) by:
	15 per cent. by 2010, relative to 1999-2000 levels;
	30 per cent. by 2020, relative to 1999-2000 levels; and
	To reduce CO2 emissions from the office estate by:
	12.5 per cent. by 2010-11, relative to 1999-2000 levels;
	30 per cent. by 2020, relative to 1999-2000 levels.
	Energy efficiency is always considered when entering a new lease. However, the main consideration will fall on the location and suitability of the building for the purpose of the operation. Sustainability and energy efficiency measures were a key driver for the landlord refurbishment of 102 Petty France and have been reflected in the design and construction. It accords with the landlord's environmental policy guidelines and the project has received a BREEAM(1) 'Excellent' rating which is a significant achievement for a refurbishment scheme.
	(1) For over a decade, BREEAM has been to assess the environmental performance of both new and existing buildings. It is regarded by the UK's construction and property sectors as the measure of best practice in environmental design and management.

Departmental Freedom of Information

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 his Department's Open Government Unit has answered within the timescale prescribed by the Act in each of the last three years.

Michael Wills: Figures for the proportion of requests which were answered in time, in that they either received a response within the standard deadline or were subject to a permitted deadline extension, in each of the last three years are as follows:
	April 2005 to March 2006: 85 per cent;
	April 2006 to March 2007: 91 per cent;
	April 2007 to March 2008: 83 per cent.

Departmental Information and Communications Technology

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what information technology projects initiated by his Department and its predecessors have been cancelled prior to completion in the last five years; and what the cost of each such project was to the public purse.

Michael Wills: The National Enforcement Tracker System (NETS) project was cancelled in August 2007 following a detailed review which highlighted that the cost and scope of the project no longer provided value for money or met current business requirements. Expenditure to closure of the project was 4.328 million and this sum was reported in accordance with HMT accounting rules.

Departmental Paper

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what percentage of paper used  (a) for photocopying and  (b) in printed publications by his Department and its predecessor was from recycled sources in each of the last two years.

Michael Wills: The Ministry of Justice has contracts in place that provide for the supply of recycled paper. Under these arrangements the percentage breakdown of paper used for photocopying obtained from recycled sources in each of the last two calendar years is set out in the following table:
	
		
			  Calendar year  Recycled paper percentage 
			 2006 62.20 
			 2007 64.70 
		
	
	The Ministry of Justice obtains printed publications from a variety of sources. Figures on the percentage breakdown of paper used in printed publications from recycled stock over the past two years have not been held centrally and could be provided only by manually analysing records held locally. This could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Pay

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much was claimed in reimbursable expenses by press officers in his Department and its agencies in each of the last three financial years.

Michael Wills: Press Officers are able to claim reasonable expenses where these are essential in doing their job, mainly for travel and essential subsistence. Receipts must be produced and claims approved by senior managers. Any spending of public money is carried out in accordance with strict guidelines governing all Civil Servants.
	The Ministry of Justice was formed on 9 May 2007. Therefore the figures in the list also include the former Department for Constitutional Affairs.
	2007-08: 1,345.82
	2006-07: 1,242.14
	2005-06: 2,608.61
	 Her Majesty's Court Service (HMCS):
	2008-09 (paid to date): 11.90
	2007-08: 1,029.33
	2006-07: 215.15
	 Judicial Communications Office:
	2007-08: 372.10
	2006-07: 297.75
	2005-06: 101.55
	 Tribunal Service:
	Before April 2007, the press office budget was part of a wider budget and figures are not attainable. Since April 2007, 367 has been paid.
	 National Archives:
	2008-09 (paid to date): 22.20
	2007-08: 219.38
	2005-06: 319.60
	 Land Registry:
	2007-08: 387.65
	2006-07: 551.05
	2005-06: 589.61
	The Boundary Commission for England, the Boundary Commission for Wales and the Office of the Public Guardian do not have press officers. The Judicial Appointments Commission has not reimbursed any expenses to press officers.
	Section 8 of the Civil Service Management Code provides departments and agencies with the authority to reimburse the expenses incurred by their own staff in connection with their employment, subject to the following conditions:
	 8.1.2 Departments and agencies must:
	(a) reimburse staff only for expenses which they actually and necessarily incur in the course of official business;
	(b) comply with the additional conditions on travel, relocation expenses, compensation for loss or damage to property, and overseas expenses set out in sections 8.2 to 8.6; and
	(c) ensure that their rules provide for claiming recompense, including verification and authorisation.
	The Civil Service Management Code can be viewed at:
	www.civilservice.gov.uk/iam/codes/csmc/index.asp.

Departmental Procurement

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what his Department's policy is on requesting discounts from its suppliers in return for swift payment of invoices.

Michael Wills: In line with good commercial practice, The Ministry of Justice's policy is to pay undisputed invoices within contractual terms, which is generally set at 30 days.
	In some circumstances it is practice to provide an opportunity for bidders to offer a discount in return for early settlement of invoices. The Ministry of Justice will consider the wider use of early settlement provisions, where that would provide value for money and be consistent with HM Treasury rules.

Departmental Public Participation

Eleanor Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many citizens' juries his Department has held in the last 12 months.

Michael Wills: The Ministry of Justice has not held any citizens' juries over the last 12 months. We have begun to engage the public in other ways, including through The Governance of Britain website and regional events. We have also produced a discussion document, A national framework for greater citizen engagement, which sets out the circumstances in which citizens' juries should be held and invites views on these proposals.

Departmental Public Participation

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what  (a) reviews and  (b) public consultations have been initiated by his Department since 27 June 2007.

Michael Wills: The information requested is in the following table.
	
		
			  Reviews initiated by Ministry of Justice (MoJ) since 27 June 2007  Notes 
			 Review of the use of restraint in juvenile secure settings Independent joint review commissioned by MoJ and Department for Children, Schools and Families 
			 Lord Goldsmith QC Citizenship Review Independent review commissioned by the Prime Minister not MoJ; Review staff and funding provided by MoJ (Governance of Britain) 
			 Lord Carter's Review of the Prison System in England and Wales Independent review initiated in early June 2007. Lord Carter's report was published on 5 December 2007 in 'Securing the future Proposals for the efficient and sustainable use of custody in England and Wales'. 
			 Fulton Review of the Forum For Preventing Deaths in Custody Robert Fulton was appointed by MoJ to conduct this independent review 
			 Sentencing Commission Working Group 'Sentencing Guidelines in England and Wales: an evolutionary approach' report published 
			 Review of Voting Systems: the experience of the new voting systems in the United Kingdom since 1997 Part of 'Governance of Britain' programme 
			 Review of Prison-Based Drug Treatment Funding Independent joint review commissioned by Department of Health and MoJ 
			 Data-sharing review Review of the scope for sharing personal information and the protections that apply when personal information is shared in the public and private sectors. Conducted by Richard Thomas, Information Commissioner and Dr. Mark Walport 
			 Review of the 30 year rule on when government records are made available to the public/opened for inspection in The National Archives Independent review chaired by Paul Dacre appointed by the Prime Minister 
			 Review of how more offenders with severe mental health problems can be diverted away from prison and into more appropriate facilities Conducted by Lord Bradley who will report jointly to Department of Health and MoJ 
			 Review of the Law of Homicide As part of this review, a consultation exercise on proposals for reform on: partial defences to murder of diminished responsibility and provocation; the law on complicity in relation to homicide; and infanticide was published on 28 July 2008 
			 Review of failure to appear warrants withdrawn at Leeds magistrates court Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Courts Administration and Chief Inspectors for the Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service were asked by MoJ to conduct a thorough inspection and prepare a report to Ministers into the resulting and warrant processes at Leeds magistrates court. 
			 Review of the Civil Justice Council Independent review conducted by Dr. Jonathan Spencer in accordance with Cabinet Office Guidance for Public Bodies 
			 Claims Management Regulation Annual Review 2007-08 Review of first year of formal regulation of the claims management sector 
			 Review of measures to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs to prisons David Blakey was commissioned to conduct the review by the Director General of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) 
		
	
	 Ministry of Justice consultations 27 June 2007 to 2 September 2008
	1. Openness in the Family Courtsa new approach
	2. Cremation Regulations
	3. Referral to coroners
	4. Quality Assurance Scheme for publicly funded criminal defence advocates
	5. Review of Part 6 of the Civil Procedure Rules: Service of documents
	6. Network Access AgreementsAppeal Rules for Adjudicator to Land Registry
	7. Conditional Fee AgreementsFixed Recoverable Success Fees in publication proceedings
	8. Fees for the Marked Register of Electors produced at UK elections
	9. Regulation of Claims Management Services - consultation on fee levels 2008-09
	10. Charity Tribunal Draft Rules 2007
	11. Criminal Defence Service (Recovery of Defence Costs Orders) Regulations 2001
	12. Changes to the Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) Schemede-prescribing the penalty notice form
	13. The debt claim process: helping people in debt to engage with the problem
	14. General Commissioners of Income Tax
	15. Judicial Appointments: the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary
	16. War-making powers and international treaties
	17. Freedom of Information Act 2000: Designation of additional public authorities
	18. Consumer Credit Appeals Tribunal
	19. Asylum and Immigration Tribunal Rules
	20. NOMS Strategic Plan on Reducing Re-offending
	21. NOMS 3(rd) sector action plan
	22. NOMS: Believing We Can
	23. Transforming Tribunals
	24. Forced MarriageThird Party Applicants
	25. Public law family fees
	26. MoJ Third Sector Strategy
	27. Improving the Criminal Trial Process for Young Witnesses (OCJR)
	 2008 consultations
	1. Administration Orders and Enforcement Restriction Orderssetting the parameters
	2. Forced Marriage Actcourt procedure rules
	3. Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act: Eligibility for Judicial Appointment
	4. Enhancing procedural rights and judicial co-operation in the EU
	5. Rome IShould the UK opt in?
	6. Best Value in Probation
	7. Children and Adoption Act 2006 Procedure Rules
	8. Certificate of Professional CompetenceAmendments to the Transport Tribunal Rules 2008
	9. Titan Prisons
	10. Bail and murder
	11. Reforming the Legal Aid Family Barrister Fee Scheme
	12. Election DayWeekend Voting
	13. Pleural Plaques
	14. Inspection powers and funding arrangements of the Information Commissioner
	15. Pandemic influenzaguidance on the operation of the coroner system
	16. Prison, probation and sentencing and reoffending statistics
	17. Murder, manslaughter and infanticide: proposals for reform of the law
	18. Proposal to close Nelson County Court
	19. Claims Management Regulationfee levels for 2009-10
	20. Section 57 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Actdraft regulations

Domestic Violence

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what representations his Department has received relating to the risk of domestic violence arising in cases involving end of custody licence.

Jack Straw: The Department has received two representations, both from the National Association of Probation Officers (NAPO).

Electoral Commission

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what discussions he has had with the Electoral Commission on the transfer of the Commission's responsibilities for electoral boundaries to a separate body; and if he will make a statement.

Bridget Prentice: My officials and I have regular and frequent meetings with the Electoral Commission where we have discussed a range of issues, including the eleventh report of the Committee on Standards on Public Life in which this appeared as a recommendation.

Electoral Register: Sales

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what his Department's response is to the recommendations of the Information Commissioner on the sale of electoral roll data.

Bridget Prentice: The Government are carefully considering Recommendation 19 of the Thomas-Walport Data Sharing Review relating to sale of the edited version of the electoral register, together with the other recommendations made by the review.

Electorate: Overseas Residence

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many British expatriates resident in each country outside the UK were registered to vote in UK elections at the most recent date for which figures are available.

Phil Hope: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 10 September 2008:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your question asking how many British expatriates resident in each country outside the UK were registered to vote in UK elections at the most recent date for which figures are available. (223174)
	The number of overseas electors registered to vote in UK parliamentary elections was 14,330 on 1 December 2007, this is the most recent date for which figures are available. We do not have information on which country they are resident in.

Fines: Surcharges

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what expenditure his Department incurred in administering the victims' surcharge in 2006-07.

Maria Eagle: None. The victims' surcharge has only been levied since 1 April 2007. Furthermore, there is no separately identifiable cost for victims' surcharge receipts.

Fixed Penalties

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 22 April 2008,  Official Report, columns 2023-25W, on fixed penalties, whether additional data are available for subsequent months.

Maria Eagle: For the most recent information on PNDs issued from 2004 to 2006, I refer the hon. Member to my answer to him on 18 December 2007,  Official Report, columns 1287-88W.
	Of the categories of fixed penalty notices collected by my Department, information is available for penalty notices for disorder (PNDs) and fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for motoring offences.
	Data on the number of penalty notices for disorder (PNDs) issued and paid by police force area for each month from 2004 to 2006 are provided in tables, which have been placed in the Libraries of the House. The PND scheme began in all 43 police forces in England and Wales in 2004.
	Motoring offences fixed penalty notices data are submitted to my Department on a calendar year basis from police forces. The data do not contain a month by month breakdown.
	Available annual information on motoring fixed penalty notices can be found in the Ministry of Justice statistical publication Offences relating to motor vehicles, England and Wales, Supplementary tablestables 20(a) to 20(c) refer. Copies of the publication are available in the Libraries of the House. The publication going back to 1980 can be accessed from the Ministry of Justice website at:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/motoringoffences.htm
	Data are collected on the disposal (i.e. paid, fine registration certificate issued etc.) and published in the following year's annual volume covering motoring offences.
	Information on PNDs issued by month in 2007 will be available in November 2008. Data on FPNs issued do not contain a month by month breakdown.

George Kelly

Edward O'Hara: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will take steps to ensure that sufficient staff resources are applied to mediation in the case concerning George Kelly to achieve a resolution in the week commencing 28 July 2008.

Maria Eagle: Treasury Solicitors continue to liaise with the representative of the estate of the late George Kelly about possible mediation in relation to some of the issues that have been raised.

Governance of Britain White Paper

Eleanor Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the cost of the consultation on the Governance of Britain White Paper has been since 3 July 2007.

Michael Wills: The Governance of Britain (CM 7170) Green Paper was published on 3 July 2007. Since then five consultation papers have been published. Their production costs were:
	Altering the current guidance on flying the Union Flag from UK Government buildings: 1,724.31 (estimate)published and paid for by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
	Role of the Attorney General (CM 7192): 2,243published and paid for by the Attorney General's Office
	War Powers and Treaties: Limiting Executive powers (CM 7239): 13,928A joint publication by Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence and Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Publication costs were funded by Ministry of Justice.
	Judicial Appointments (CM 7210): 15,837published and paid for by the Ministry of Justice
	Managing Protest Around Parliament (CM 7235): 5,532published and paid for by the Home Office
	The Governance of BritainConstitutional Renewal White Paper (CM 7342-1, 7342-2, 7342-3) was published on 25 March 2008. It was published and paid for by the Ministry of Justice and its total production cost was 76,960.85
	In addition a series of events to support the Governance of Britain programme as a whole is currently under way. Final costs will be available once the events are complete.

Information Commissioner

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps his Department has taken to reduce the time taken by the Information Commissioner to process complaints; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Wills: The Information Commissioner is an independent post created by statute. His responsibilities include handling complaints made under the Data Protection Act 1998, Freedom of Information Act 2000, Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 and Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
	In response to business cases presented by the Commissioner to deal with his Freedom of Information workload my Department has increased the grant in aid available to his office for this financial year and the previous three.
	In addition, the Ministry of Justice is promoting a scheme for staff from central Government Departments to second to the Commissioner's office in response to his request for additional staff.

Information Commissioner

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many complaints were referred to the Information Commissioner in each of the last three years.

Michael Wills: The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is an independent body created by statute.
	Its responsibilities include handling complaints made under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA), Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI), Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) and Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).
	The following table shows the number of cases received by the ICO in the last three financial years.
	
		
			  April to March each year  DPA and PECR  FOI and EIR 
			 2005-06 22,059 2,713 
			 2006-07 23,988 2,592 
			 2007-08 24,851 2,646

Information Commissioner: Finance

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much funding his Department gave to the Information Commissioner's Office in each of the last three years.

Michael Wills: The Information Commissioner's data protection work is funded through notification fees paid to his office by data controllers under section 26 of the Data Protection Act 1998, which his office retains with the agreement of HM Treasury.
	The Commissioner's freedom of information work is funded through grant in aid paid by the Ministry of Justice. The amount of grant in aid allocated in the last three financial years has been:
	
		
			
			 2006-07 5,550,000 
			 2007-08 5,050,000 
			 2008-09 5,500,000

Information Commissioner: Freedom of Information

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent discussions he has had with the Information Commissioner on the backlog of Freedom of Information cases being processed by the Information Commissioner's Office.

Michael Wills: There are regular discussions between my Department and the Information Commissioner's office about a range of issues, including workload.
	In response to business cases presented by the Commissioner to deal with his freedom of information workload, the Ministry of Justice has increased the grant in aid available to his office for this financial year and the previous three.
	In addition, the Ministry of Justice is promoting a scheme for staff from central Government Departments to second to the Commissioner's office in response to his request for additional staff.

Information Commissioner: Manpower

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many staff were employed by the Information Commissioner's Office in each of the last three years.

Michael Wills: The number of staff employed by the Information Commissioner's Office as at 31 March in each of the last three years is as follows:
	
		
			  April to March each year  Total staff (including part-time)  Full-time equivalents 
			 2005-06 261 239 
			 2006-07 256 236 
			 2007-08 275 256

Information Commissioner: Powers

Eleanor Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he plans to increase the powers of the Information Commissioner.

Michael Wills: On 17 July 2008, the Government published a consultation paper on the Information Commissioner's inspection powers and funding arrangements under the Data Protection Act 1998, in response to the Data Sharing review published by the Information Commissioner Richard Thomas and Dr. Mark Walport on 11 July 2008.
	The consultation paper proposes strengthening the inspection powers of the Information Commissioner's Office. The consultation ended on 27 August 2008. The Government will consider how best to take forward the recommendations of the Data Sharing review and the result of the consultation exercise and respond in detail in autumn 2008.

Legal Services Board: Pay

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the rate of remuneration will be of the members of the new Legal Services Board.

Bridget Prentice: Members of the Legal Services Board will receive 15,000 per annum for approximately 30 days.

Legal Services Board: Public Appointments

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the political affiliation or trades union experience is of each member of the new Legal Services Board where appropriate.

Bridget Prentice: We understand from the Legal Services Board that applicants were asked to declare any political activity within the past five years. Michael Napier QC, CBE made a recordable donation to the Labour party. No other members declared any political activity. Applicants were not asked about any trade union experience, as it was not considered relevant to the selection process.

Legal Services Commission: Complaints

Edward O'Hara: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what guidance the Legal Services Commission has issued to  (a) its staff and  (b) the public on its complaints procedures since April 2004;
	(2)  what guarantee the Legal Services Commission provides to complainants on the treatment of their complaint; and what arrangements are in place to monitor the application of that guarantee.

Michael Wills: I refer my hon. Friend to the answers of my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice the Member for Lewisham East (Bridget Prentice) to him on 4 June 2008,  Official Report, column 1040W, and 22 May 2008,  Official Report, columns 411-12W.

Mediation

Edward O'Hara: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what arrangements are in place in his Department to delegate authority for settling litigation claims by mediation; to what grade of official the authority is delegated; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: All Government Departments are covered by the pledge made in 2001 committing Government to the use of alternative dispute resolution in appropriate cases. Treasury Solicitor's Department and MOJ consider on a case by case basis whether mediation is appropriate. The decision to mediate will be taken by whoever within MOJ has responsibility for the litigation in question.

Offences Against Children

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people in England and Wales were  (a) prosecuted for and  (b) convicted on charges relating to having sexual intercourse with an underage person in each of the last two years; what percentage of these cases resulted in a custodial sentence; and what the average length of prison sentence was (i) in total and (ii) broken down by region.

Maria Eagle: Information requested on court proceedings data for sexual offences with an underage person in England and Wales, by region, 2005 to 2006 is shown in the following table.
	These data are on the principal offence basis. The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offence for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences, the offence selected is the one for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe.
	Court proceedings data for 2007 will be available in the autumn of 2008.
	
		
			  Number of persons proceeded against at magistrates courts; found guilty, and sentenced at all courts for offences relating to having sexual intercourse with an underage person in England and Wales, by region, 2005 to 2006( 1,2,3) 
			  Year/Region  Proceeded against  Found guilty  Immediate custody  Immediate custody as a percentage of those proceeded against  Immediate custody as a percentage of those found guilty  Average sentence (months)( 4) 
			  2005   
			 North East 82 31 20 24 65 12.3 
			 North West 206 114 96 47 84 16.2 
			 Humberside 159 89 72 45 81 17.1 
			 East Midlands 158 69 50 32 72 11.9 
			 West Midlands 165 82 61 37 74 16.3 
			 East of England 129 60 45 35 75 12.9 
			 London 215 40 37 17 93 7.7 
			 South East 171 89 65 38 73 13.7 
			 South West 112 56 41 37 73 9.8 
			 Wales 89 41 32 36 78 11.7 
			 England and Wales 1,486 671 519 35 77 13.2 
			
			  2006   
			 North East 84 54 37 44 69 11.3 
			 North West 218 106 79 36 75 10.4 
			 Humberside 136 100 68 50 68 16.9 
			 East Midlands 124 71 52 42 73 11.4 
			 West Midlands 171 120 84 49 70 11.6 
			 East of England 103 90 75 73 83 13.9 
			 London 204 61 54 26 89 10.3 
			 South East 153 111 83 54 75 13.7 
			 South West 108 84 69 64 82 17.2 
			 Wales 85 51 41 48 80 12.8 
			 England and Wales 1,386 848 642 46 76 12.7 
			 (1) These data are on the principal offence basis. (2) Includes the following statutes and corresponding offence description: Sexual Offences Act 2003 S.1 Rape of a female aged under 16. Rape of a male aged under 16. Sexual Offences Act 2003 S.5 Rape of a female or male child under 13 by a male Sexual Offences Act 2003 S.9(1a,b,cii)(2) Sexual activity with a female or male child under 13offender aged 18 or overpenetration Sexual activity with a female or male child under 16 (offender aged 18 or over)penetration Sexual Offences Act 2003 S.9 (1,a,b,ci)(2) and S.13 Sexual activity with a female or male child under 16offender under 18 Sexual activity with a female or male child under 16offender under 18 Sexual Offences Act 2003 S25(1eii,2-4a,6) Sexual activity with a female or male child family memberoffender aged 18 or over at time of offence and victim under 13penetration Sexual activity with a female or male child family memberoffender aged 18 or over at time of offence and victim 13-17penetration Sexual Offences Act 2003 S47(1a,b,cii) (2)(3)(6) Paying for sex with a female or male child under 13penetration Sexual Offences Act 2003 S.47(1a,b,ci,2,4a,6) Paying for sex with a male or female child under 16penetration Sexual Offences Act 2003 25(1)(e) (ii), (2), (5) and (6) Sexual activity with a female or male child family member under 13offender U.18penetration of anus, vagina, mouth by penis/part of body Sexual activity with a female or male child family member 13 to 17offender U.18penetration of anus, vagina, mouth by penis/part of body (3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts, and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (4) Excludes life sentences and indeterminate sentences for public protection (IPPs).  Source: CJEAUOffice for Criminal Justice ReformMinistry of Justice

Offenders: Rehabilitation

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of theatre and drama participation in improving the behaviour of violent offenders; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: No specific assessment has been made of the effectiveness of theatre and drama participation in improving the behaviour of violent offenders. However, there is anecdotal evidence on the beneficial impact of the arts more generally on offending. The small scale of many arts programmes for offenders can present difficulties for high quality evaluations.
	We are supporting the development of an independent Arts Alliance which will provide a representative voice for the arts sector and improve understanding of how arts interventions can be used more effectively. An Arts Forum will be also set up to facilitate discussions between the Arts Alliance and other stakeholders such as Government Departments and the Arts Council, about the role and development of the arts in supporting offender management.

Offensive Weapons: Sentencing

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent discussions his Department has had with the Sentencing Guidelines Council on penalties for those charged with carrying knives.

Jack Straw: There is a formal process of consultation in respect of draft Sentencing Guidelines Council guidelines. The Government offer comments to the SGC as part of this process. Oral discussions with the SGC and Ministers do not normally occur.

Political Parties: Finance

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether proposals in the White Paper on party finance and expenditure on increased transparency will apply to donations to political parties from trade unions; and whether proposals for a higher definition of campaign spending will include funding allocated directly by the trade unions to campaigning; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Wills: The Political Parties and Elections Bill, (Bill 141), puts in place arrangements to improve the transparency of all donations of more than 200 to political parties and other recipients of donations that are subject to the requirements of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 ('the 2000 Act'). The new arrangements will require all donors giving over 200 to declare whether or not they have received 200 from an individual in connection with the making of the donation. The requirements will apply to all such donations made by permissible donors, including trade unions.
	The White Paper proposed
	making the campaign expenditure limit introduced by PPERA more effective by re-examining the schedule of qualifying expenses
	('Party finance and expenditure in the United Kingdom' (CM7239) page 40). Those limits apply to spending by registered political parties on matters listed in the relevant schedule (schedule 8) in the 2000 Act. It is anticipated that any revision of the limits will be done in due course through secondary legislation.
	The 2000 Act does not directly regulate trade union expenditure on campaigning. There is extensive statutory regulation of such expenditure in the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. Expenditure by domestic bodies other than political parties (including trade unions) is capable of being regulated if, through its activities, an entity becomes subject to the rules on third party election campaigning or participation in a referendum campaign. The White Paper also said that consideration would be given to bringing forward proposals to build on the current system for regulation of third party campaigning organisations.

Political Parties: Finance

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  whether the triggering rules outlined in the White Paper on party finance and expenditure will apply to third party campaign spending by  (a) trades unions and  (b) charities;
	(2)  pursuant to the answer of 7 July 2008,  Official Report, column 1310W, on political parties: finance, whether the new proposed trigger rules will apply to members of the devolved Assemblies and European and Scottish Parliaments;
	(3)  whether the new proposed trigger rules will apply to parliamentary by-elections.

Bridget Prentice: As set out in the White Paper, party finance and expenditure in the United Kingdom (CM7329), published on 16 June 2008, and in the Political Parties and Elections Bill (Bill 141), introduced on 17 July 2008, the proposals to reintroduce triggering will apply only to spending by candidates at a parliamentary general election. That is in line with the original position set out in the Representation of the People Act 1983, under which the original triggering rules only ever applied to Parliamentary candidates.
	The triggering proposals will not apply to third parties, whose campaign spending is regulated over a period of 365 days up to the date of the election.
	The triggering proposals will not apply to candidates at parliamentary by-elections, for which existing rules will remain in place. This is made clear on the face of the Bill.
	The triggering proposals will not apply to members of the devolved Assemblies and Scottish Parliament. As set out in the White Paper, it is intended that the regulated period for candidate expenses for elections to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly will be set at four months. The Government intend to bring forward secondary legislation to give effect to this proposal in due course.
	The triggering proposals will not apply to candidates for election to the European Parliament. Party candidates are not subject to individual election expenses limits at European Parliament elections. Expenditure incurred to promote party list candidates is treated as party campaign expenditure and is therefore regulated by the relevant provisions of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA).

Political Parties: Finance

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he plans to introduce a compliance grant to assist with the costs of moving procedure and practice into compliance with the provisions of any Act resulting from the White Paper on party finance and expenditure.

Bridget Prentice: Sir Hayden Phillips' draft agreement, which he put to the inter-party talks in August 2007, proposed public funding to assist the parties with compliance with the new regulations. He proposed that this scheme be capped at a maximum of 1.5 million in total. Sir Hayden's proposed scheme was a more radical departure from current arrangements than the proposals set out in the Political Parties and Elections Bill. In particular he recommended a cap on donations and a significant enhancement of public funding. We have no current proposals for compliance grant but we are open to representations on this.

Political Parties: Finance

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the Answer of 7 July 2008,  Official Report, column 1310W, on political parties: finance, 
	(1)  what assessment his Department has made of the compliance of introducing the new trigger rules in the middle of a Parliament with Article 7 of the European Convention on Human Rights;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy for any new triggering rules to commence at the start of the next Parliament;
	(3)  how the new triggering rules will affect parliamentary candidates who have already declared their candidature or incurred local campaign expenditure.

Bridget Prentice: The Government intend that the measures to re-introduce triggering set out in the Political Parties and Elections Bill (Bill 141), introduced on 17 July 2008, would come into force on the day on which the Bill received Royal Assent. The provision in the Bill on candidate spending will apply to all expenses for electoral purposes which are incurred after that date.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor has made a statement under section 19(l)(a) of the Human Rights Act 1998 that, in his view, the provisions of the Political Parties and Elections Bill are compatible with the Convention rights.

Political Parties: Finance

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 7 July 2008,  Official Report, column 1310W, on political parties: finance, whether the new proposed trigger rules will apply to hon. Members who are re-adopted as parliamentary candidates by their constituency association prior to the dissolution of Parliament.

Bridget Prentice: The Political Parties and Elections Bill (Bill 141), introduced on 17 July 2008, includes measures to reintroduce the 'trigger' for candidate spending limits. This is intended to ensure that all spending which is used for the purposes of the candidate's election will be regulated. Any spending used for such purposes by a readopted parliamentary candidate will therefore be regulated by the limit in the same way as other candidates, regardless of whether such expenditure occurs before or after the date of dissolution of Parliament.

Political Parties: Finance

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 7 July 2008,  Official Report, column 1310W, on political parties: finance, what the timetable is for the publication of the impact assessments referred to.

Bridget Prentice: Impact assessments for the Political Parties and Elections Bill (Bill 141) were published alongside its introduction to the House on 17 July 2008. The five impact assessments can be found on the Ministry of Justice website:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/political-parties-elections-bill.htm
	or in the Vote Office.

Political Parties: Finance

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 7 July 2008,  Official Report, column 1310W, on political parties: finance, whether the impact assessments will include a privacy impact assessment.

Bridget Prentice: The Government made their commitment to carrying out privacy impact assessments at the planning stage of policy development from July 2008 onwards. The policies set out in the provisions of the Political Parties and Elections Bill were beyond the planning stage at that time: the White Paper, Party finance and expenditure in the United Kingdom, which sets out the proposals given effect in the Bill, was published on 16 June 2008; and at the start of July the Bill was in near-final form. The impact assessments for the Political Parties and Elections Bill therefore do not include a full privacy impact assessment.
	Privacy impact assessment guidance indicates that for some projects all that may be needed is a check on their compliance with privacy laws. Having reviewed the Bill's provisions I am satisfied that they are consistent with the principles set out in the Data Protection Act 1998 and with the common law of confidentiality.

Polling Stations: Disabled

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent steps the Government have taken to facilitate access to polling stations for those with disabilities.

Bridget Prentice: The Government are keen to ensure that the electoral process is accessible to all electors. The Electoral Administration Act 2006 extends the duty placed on local authorities to review polling places to ensure that as far as is reasonable and practicable they are accessible for electors with disabilities. Under the Act, local authorities must carry out a full review of polling places at least every four years, and representations can be made to the Electoral Commission in respect of reviews carried out by local authorities. Further, the returning officer for an election must now provide at every polling station an enlarged hand-held sample copy of the ballot paper for the assistance of voters who are partially sighted. The Government also provide grant assistance to local authorities of up to 50 per cent. of the cost of temporary ramps to improve access to buildings which may need them for the purpose of elections.

Prison Sentences

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment his Department has made of the relationship between the length of custodial sentence and the re-offending rate.

David Hanson: It is not appropriate to compare actual re-offending rates between custodial sentences of different lengths as both the sentence and the likelihood of re-offending are influenced by the criminal history of the offender and his or her offence.
	For example, offenders sentenced to longer custodial sentences (over one year) have on average committed a more serious offence and have fewer previous offences. Thus, their re-offending rate is likely to be lower, but this does not mean that the sentence is more effective.
	The re-offending rates for offenders released from custody, broken down by length of sentence are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Frequency and actual (yes/no) re-offending rates with progress rates from 2000 by custodial sentence length 
			 Frequency  Binary (yes/no) 
			Number of offenders  Number of re-offences per 100 offenders  Unadjusted progress from 2000  Actual re-offending rate  Adjusted progress from 2000( 1) 
			 Custody 2000 Q1 15,727 245.5 0.0 51.4 0.0 
			  2002 Q1 15,578 288.2 17.4 55.0 2.1 
			  2003 Q1 14,358 279.1 13.7 53.9 -0.3 
			  2004 Q1 15,761 253.1 3.1 51.9 -4.8 
			  2005 Q1 14,595 228.5 -6.9 49.1 -9.3 
			  2006 Q1 14,380 208.4 -15.1 46.5 -12.5 
			
			 Less than 12 months 2000 Q1 10,334 296.8 0.0 58.0 0.0 
			  2002 Q1 10,633 356.0 19.9 63.6 3.5 
			  2003 Q1 9,146 362.5 22.1 64.7 2.1 
			  2004 Q1 10,578 319.8 7.7 61.9 -1.9 
			  2005 Q1 9,688 294.3 -0.8 59.7 -5.0 
			  2006 Q1 9,103 282.7 -4.8 58.8 -6.7 
			
			 12 months to less than two years 2000 Q1 2,480 179.2 0.0 43.6 0.0 
			  2002 Q1 2,271 180.7 0.8 43.4 1.6 
			  2003 Q1 2,280' 179.7 0.3 43.4 0.8 
			  2004 Q1 2,130 154.1 -14.0 38.9 -8.5 
			  2005 Q1 2,046 133.7 -25.4 34.3 -15.8 
			  2006 Q1 2,028 101.9 -43.1 29.6 -25.3 
			
			 Two years to less than four years 2000 Q1 1,941 142.3 0.0 40.1 0.0 
			  2002 Q1 1,763 129.4 -9.1 36.0 -9.9 
			  2003 Q1 1,889 108.0 . -24.1 32.3 -15.3 
			  2004 Q1 1,993 109.8 -22.9 31.3 -20.3 
			  2005 Q1 1,863 82.0 -42.4 26.9 -32.2 
			  2006 Q1 2,013 80.5 -43.5 25.9 -32.9 
			
			 Four years and over 2000 Q1 972 75.3 0.0 23.4 0.0 
			  2002 Q1 911 71.8 -4.7 21.3 -6.9 
			  2003 Q1 1,043 75.3 -0.1 21.2 -10.6 
			  2004 Q1 1,060 55.0 -27.0 17.9 -24.7 
			  2005 Q1 998 57.6 -23.5 17.9 -26.9 
			  2006 Q1 1,236 45.0 -40.3 17.3 -28.8 
			 (1) Adjusted to take offender characteristics into account. 
		
	
	More work will be carried out in 2009 to test the feasibility of using more complex statistical techniques to enable comparison between custodial sentences of different lengths.
	For more information on the latest adult re-offending statistics please consult:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/docs/re-offending-adults-2006.pdf

Prison Sentences

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners serving indeterminate sentences for public protection do not have  (a) an offender assessment or equivalent and  (b) a sentence plan.

Jack Straw: In August, the data base created to support management of offenders serving indeterminate sentences of imprisonment for public protection (IPP) indicated that, for those IPP prisoners with recorded tariff dates, where tariffs expired on or before 31 March 2008,  (a) 4 - less than 1 per cent. of the total were recorded as not having an assessment; and  (b) 29 - just over 4 per cent. of the total were recorded as not having a sentence plan. For those offenders serving an IPP sentence with a tariff expiry date between 1 April 2008 and 30 September 2008, the data base indicated that  (a) 3 - less than 1 per cent. of the totaldid not have an assessment and  (b) 34 - just over 7 per cent. of the total did not have a sentence plan.
	The data base is necessarily a large administrative system tracking a changing and moving population and it therefore may not be 100 per cent. complete on any one day. It is updated at intervals rather than being a real time record.

Prison Service: Ethnic Groups

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of prison officers and prison staff from an ethnic minority background.

David Hanson: The attraction of people with suitable competencies from ethnic minority backgrounds is a key element in all recruitment campaigns for prison staff. In particular, for operational staff, including prison officers and senior managers, the National Offender Management Service is using a range of methods for attracting ethnic minority staff such as targeted advertising, outreach and other recruitment procedures. The recent prison officer recruitment campaign has been successful in attracting 13 per cent. of applicants from a non-white background.

Prison Service: Ethnic Groups

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what proportion of prison officers in England and Wales were from an ethnic minority background in  (a) 2007 and  (b) 1997.

David Hanson: Information in the following table shows the total figures for public and contracted establishments.
	
		
			  The number and proportion of prison officers from an ethnic minority background( 1, 2, 3) 
			  As at 31 December each year  Number of BME prison officers  Proportion prison officers recorded as BME (Percentage) 
			 1997 525 2.27 
			 2007 1269 5.19 
			 (1) Prison officers: Includes prison officers, senior officers and principal officers within the public sector Prison Service and custody officers and senior custody officers within contracted establishments, where available. (2) Ethnic minority background has been classified as those staff from a black and ethnic minority background (BME). (3) Per cent. as a proportion of those with known ethnicity. 
		
	
	Information is provided for four of the eleven contracted establishments as at the time of the request data were not available from three separate providers. In 1997 only four contracted prisons Altcourse, Doncaster, Parc and Wolds were open.

Prison Service: Females

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what percentage of prison officers in England and Wales are women.

David Hanson: Information in the following table shows the total figures for public and contracted establishments.
	The data are provided as a snapshot at the end of June 2008(1).
	(1) Data for seven of the contracted establishments are provided as at the end of January 2008, as updated information was not available at the time of the request
	
		
			   Number and proportion of female prison officers ( 1) 
			 Number of female prison officers 6,557 
			 Proportion prison officers recorded as Female (Percentage) 23.73 
			 (1) Prison Officers: Includes prison officers, senior officers and principal officers within the public sector Prison Service and custody officers and senior custody officers within contracted establishments, where available.

Prisoners Release

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice for what reasons the 110 prisoners who remain unlawfully at large have been recalled to custody while on end of custody licence.

Jack Straw: 1,153 offenders had been recalled from the end of custody licence scheme during the period since the scheme began and until 31 July 2008. As of 15 August, 1,043 such offenders had been successfully apprehended and returned to custody. A subsequent check has confirmed that there were 109 offenders who were still unlawfully at large as of 15 August (not 110 as previously reported). A breakdown of the reasons for which these offenders were recalled is outlined in the following table.
	Offenders may be recalled for more than one reason. A total of 123 reasons for recall have been recorded in respect of the 109 offenders reported as unlawfully at large.
	
		
			  Reasons for recall from ECL  Number of offenders 
			 Alleged reoffending 22 
			 Failure to live at an approved address 34 
			 Out of touch with the probation service 58 
			 Poor behaviour 9

Prisoners Release

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the number of prisoners who will be released early under the end of custody licence scheme between the commencement of the scheme in June 2007 and January 2009; and what proportion of the prison population this figure represents.

Jack Straw: The ECL bulletin published on 29 August showed that between 29 June 2007 and 31 July 2008 34,175 prisoners were released under the ECL scheme. Around 2,500 prisoners are released each month on ECL. This figure is not expected to vary appreciably between now and January 2009. If the type of prisoner received into prison and the eligibility of those prisoners remains constant, we would expect around 15,000 prisoners to be released in the six months to the end of January 2009. This would bring the cumulative total since the scheme began to around 49, 000 releases.
	The average ECL caseload is 1,350. This represents 2 per cent. of those in prison based on a population of 84,139 at the end of July 2008.
	Information on numbers released under the scheme is published monthly in the statistics bulletin End of Custody Licence releases and recalls, available from the Library of the House and the Ministry of Justice website at the following address:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/endofcustodylicence.htm.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

Prisoners Release: Hertfordshire

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people have been released on end of custody licence from prison in  (a) St. Albans constituency and  (b) Hertfordshire in each year for which figures are available.

David Hanson: The available information on numbers released by establishment is published monthly, in Table 2 of the statistical bulletin End of Custody Licence releases and recalls, available from the Library of the House and the Ministry of Justice website at the following address:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/endofcustodylicence.htm
	The end of custody licence scheme was introduced on 29 June 2007. From 29 June 2007 to 31 July 2008 there were 17 prisoners released from The Mount prison, Hertfordshire, under the scheme. There are no prisons in the St. Albans constituency.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

Prisoners: Ethnic Groups

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what percentage of  (a) male and  (b) female prisoners in England and Wales were of an ethnic minority background in (i) 2007 and (ii) 1997.

David Hanson: Information on the size of the prison population, by sex, ethnic group, and nationality, is published in the annual volume Offender Management Caseload Statistics (Table 8.4), available from the Library of the House and from the Ministry of Justice website at:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/prisonandprobation.htm
	and (2007 data) in the publication Statistics on Race and the Criminal Justice System2006-07 at the following link:
	http://www.iustice.gov.uk/docs/stats-race-criminal-iustice.pdf.
	At the end of June 2007, the latest published information, there were  (a) 19,658 male ethnic minority prisoners held in all prisons in England and Wales, or 26 per cent. of the total male prisoner population (based on those with known ethnic group); and  (b) 1,250 female ethnic minority prisoners or 29 per cent. of the total female prisoner population. The corresponding figures at the end of June 1997 were  (a) 10,587 male ethnic minority prisoners, or 18 per cent. and  (b) 659 female ethnic minority prisoners, or 25 per cent.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Prior to 2004 the 1991 census codes were used.

Prisoners: Food

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when the amount allocated to the daily cost of food for a prisoner in a  (a) prison cell and  (b) police station cell was last increased.

Jack Straw: The public sector Prison Service does not set a daily food allowance. Each Governor sets a food budget based on the establishment's requirements. The average daily food cost per prisoner in public sector prisons is around 2.
	Under an agreement between NOMS and ACPO there is an upper limit to the amount the police may charge for the provision of meals for prisoners held overnight in police cells under Operation Safeguard. From 1997 to June 2006 the daily charge remained at 10. Since June 2006, when the figure was last increased to take account of rising costs, the police have been able to charge up to 12 for the provision of meals for a twenty-four hour period or part twenty-four hour period. This may be exceeded under exceptional circumstances.
	The difference between costs under Operation Safeguard and in prison arises because the provision of food in prison can be planned with much greater certainty and prison establishments are able to make use of bulk purchasing.

Prisoners: Voting Rights

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what representations his Department has received from  (a) the Council of Europe and  (b) EU institutions following the European Court of Human Rights' judgment in the case of Hirst v. UK on voting rights for prisoners;
	(2)  what plans he has to launch a consultation on extending voting rights to prisoners in England and Wales.

Jack Straw: The judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Hirst  v. UK requires the Government to reconsider their policy of a blanket ban on the voting rights of convicted prisoners. That requirement is a consequence of a judgment in the European Court of Human Rights and is something that would need to be implemented in the UK even if the Human Rights Act was not in place.
	In response, the Government undertook a first stage consultation which concluded in March 2007. However, since that point the context for the debate about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and in particular the exercise of the franchise, in the United Kingdom has changed significantly following the launch of the Governance of Britain Green Paper and publication of the Goldsmith review.
	The Government remain committed to carrying out a second, more detailed public consultation on how voting rights might be granted to serving prisoners.
	Since the judgment we have kept the Committee of Ministers updated on progress towards implementing the 'Hirst No. 2' judgment. During April 2008 we provided the Committee's Secretariat with a detailed note about implementation of the judgment and we have undertaken to submit further information in due course on the form and timing of a further consultation.

Prisons: Discipline

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what arrangements are in place to facilitate the transfer of enhanced status points awarded in recognition of good behaviour in young offender institutions and prisons between establishments.

David Hanson: It is a requirement of the Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme that young offenders and adult prisoners retain their enhanced status on transfer between prison establishments so that their good behaviour continues to be recognised. Paragraph 2.23 of Prison Service Order (PSO) 4000 (Incentives and Earned Privileges), explains this in greater detail. A copy of the full PSO has been placed in the Libraries of the House and at:
	http://pso.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/PSO_4000_ incentives_and_earned_privileges.doc

Prisons: Drugs

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will estimate the level of use of illegal drugs by prisoners in each of the last 10 years.

David Hanson: The best measure of drug misuse in prisons is the random mandatory drug testing programme. The percentage of prisoners testing positive under the programme in each of the last 10 financial years is detailed in the following table. The data illustrate the success of the National Offender Management Service's drug strategy for prisons. This strategy has three key elements:
	reducing supply, through security measures and drug testing programmes;
	reducing demand, through targeted interventions for low, moderate and severe drug-misusers; and
	establishing effective through-care links to ensure continuity of treatment post-release in order to safeguard the gains made in custody.
	The Government have recently commissioned a report on drug use in prisons and accepted the recommendations.
	
		
			  Percentage of prisoners testing positive under the random mandatory drug testing programme in each of the last 10 financial years 
			   Positive rate (percentage) 
			 1998-99 18.1 
			 1999-2000 14.4 
			 2000-01 12.2 
			 2001-02 11.5 
			 2002-03 11.7 
			 2003-04 12.5 
			 2004-05 11.8 
			 2005-06 10.3 
			 2006-07 8.8 
			 2007-08 9.1 
			 2008-09 year to date (April to July 2008) 8.3

Prisons: Racial Violence

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many incidents involving violence or the threat of violence by prisoners have been recorded as motivated by racial or religious prejudice in each prison in England and Wales in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available; what the nature of the incident was in each case; and what measures he has put in place to reduce such occurrences.

Jack Straw: Information on the number of incidents involving violence or the threat of violence by prisoners which have been recorded as motivated by racial or religious prejudice is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Ministers and the National Offender Management Service are committed to ensuring that violence in prisons is not tolerated in any form. Since 2004, a national strategy has directed every public sector prison to have in place a local violence reduction strategy. This policy has recently been revised and from mid 2007 applied to both the public sector and contracted estate. A whole prison approach is encouraged, engaging all staff, all disciplines and prisoners in challenging unacceptable behaviour, problem-solving and personal safety.
	The national Cell Sharing Risk Assessment measure was introduced in June 2002 in response to the death of Zahid Mubarek who was murdered by his cell-mate. The measure assists staff in assessing the risk a prisoner could pose to another prisoner in shared accommodation, based on the information that accompanies the prisoner and through a prisoner interview. The initial assessment will trigger a risk minimisation plan for those identified as high or medium risk followed by a review process.

Recovery of Costs

Edward O'Hara: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what guidance his Department's accounting office issues on the amount of costs that can be recovered by a litigant from an opponent ordered to pay costs in litigation; and what the duties of the accounting officer are in respect of cost recovery on his Department's behalf.

Bridget Prentice: The Ministry of Justice's debt management policy states that the Department must ensure that income owed to the Government is collected properly, and that outstanding claims are followed up at frequent and regular intervals. The role of the principal accounting officer is to ensure that the public funds for which he is responsible are properly and well managed and safeguarded.

Supreme Court: Costs

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the  (a) original and  (b) most recent estimated capital cost for the Supreme Court was.

Jack Straw: As announced on 14 June 2007 the estimated capital cost for the construction of the UK Supreme Court is 36.7 million. The capital construction costs will be met over a 30-year period through rental payments of 2.1 million per annum, increasing at a rate of 2.5 per cent. per annum. In addition to this figure, we have undertaken 2 million of repair work (as announced on 3 July 2008). This cost will be paid separately (not part of the rental payments). We will update the House on final costs at the completion of the programme.

Terrorism: Greater London

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent assessment he has made of the efficiency of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority in the time taken to award sums to those injured in the London bombings of 2005; how many claims for such compensation have been submitted; how many have been paid; what the average payment has been; what the average time taken for a payment to be made has been; whether he plans to make a further contribution to the London Bombings Relief Charitable Fund; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) has offered or paid a full or interim payment to over 96 per cent. of eligible people who have applied for compensation for the 7/7 bombings. As at 4 September 2008, over 7.5 million has been paid out to those injured, with an average payment of 14,200, and an average time of 153 days to resolve the cases. The final total is expected to exceed 10 million.
	CICA has received 647 applications for compensation and 585 cases have been resolved. The remaining 62 cases are awaiting full settlement. However, CICA has made a final offer in 16 of these cases and is waiting to see if the offers will be accepted. Of the remaining 46 cases, 31 applicants have either received, or been offered, an interim payment, and 15 cases require further information before a decision can be made.
	CICA is aware that it has taken some time for all applications to be settled, but the decisions are among other factors dependent on the receipt of evidence from third parties, which can take time to provide as medical assessments are invariably required. CICA is striving to obtain the information and medical evidence needed to ensure that each applicant receives the full award to which he/she is entitled.
	Victims of the London bombings also received substantial sums of money totalling 12 million from the London Bombings Relief Charitable Fund. The Government contributed 3.5 million. The fund has now closed, having completed the job for which it was set up: to distribute the money that was raised by others as quickly as possible to the victims of the 7 July attacks.

Valuation Office: Land Registry

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice further to page 26 of the Valuation Office Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007-08, HC 583, if he will place in the Library a copy of the agreement with the Land Registry on using information they hold on land transactions.

Jane Kennedy: I have been asked to reply.
	The VOA do not have a separate agreement with Land Registry. The VOA are registered users of HM Land Registry's Land Registry Direct website 'Land Registry Direct Service', available at:
	www.landregistry.gov.uk/direct/.
	This is a secure site set up by the HM Land Registry for the public to have access to copies of registers of title.

Young Offenders

Julie Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many  (a) qualified social workers,  (b) primary teachers,  (c) secondary teachers and  (d) child psychologists are employed in (i) each young offender institution, (ii) each secure training centre, (iii) each local authority secure children's home and (iv) each immigration removal centre.

David Hanson: The information is as follows:
	 Social workers
	The Youth Justice Board (YJB) report that there are currently 15 social workers employed in the 17 Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) and dedicated Prison Service units for young women. There are 33 social workers employed across the four Secure Training Centres (STCs). Information is not held centrally on the number of social workers in Secure Children's Homes (SCHs). Children who are placed in SCHs on welfare grounds will have their own social workers who will visit them at the home.
	There are three Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) where families with children are detained. These are Tinsley House, Dungavel (Scotland) and Yarl's Wood. The main centre for the detention of families is Yarl's Wood. At Yarl's Wood there are two qualified social workers. For all three centres, the UK Border Agency works very closely with the local authorities. Where there is no full-time social worker presence, social workers visit detainees if this is required.
	 Primary and  s econdary  t eachers
	Information on the numbers of primary teachers and secondary teachers employed in all juvenile custodial establishments is not collected centrally. However, the YJB report that across the four STCs, there are seven primary teachers, 64 secondary teachers and also 13 post 16 further education lecturers. In addition, Hassockfield STC employs 10 vocational teachers.
	In IRCs where families with children are detained at Yarl's Wood there are two primary teachers and one secondary teacher. At Dungavel there is one teacher who covers primary and secondary curricula. At Tinsley House there is none of the above.
	 Child  p sychologists
	Information is not collected centrally on the numbers of child psychologists employed in all juvenile custodial establishments. The responsibility for commissioning health services in YOIs in England has been fully devolved to national health service primary care trusts (PCTs) since April 2006. PCTs work with establishments to develop comprehensive health needs assessments of their populations and then commission on the basis of that need. Provision of treatment by child psychologists will therefore differ depending on the locality and on the specific needs of the individual concerned.
	The YJB report the following information for the 4STCs:
	Medway STCreceive the consultation services from a clinical child psychologist. In addition there are also clinics from a consultant psychiatrist and two full-time psychology assistants.
	Rainsbrook STChave one child psychologist along with three psychology assistants.
	Oakhill STChave one full-time forensic psychologist. In addition they have one full-time assistant forensic psychologist, one session counselling psychologist, one session consulting psychiatrist and, one full day mental health specialist nurse from the local CAMHS unit.
	Hassockfield STCreceive sessional work from a consulting psychologist. In addition, they have two full-time assistant psychologists, two full-time assistant psychologists, two sessional counselling psychologists, one session consulting psychiatrist one sessional educational psychologist, and one half day mental health specialist nurse from the local CAMHS unit.
	There are no child psychologists in the three IRCs which hold families with children. However, each IRC must ensure that arrangements are in place for detainees to have a physical and mental examination by the medical practitioner within 24-hours of their arrival at the removal centre.

Young Offenders: Restraint Techniques

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many children  (a) in secure accommodation and  (b) who left secure accommodation in the last 12 months were interviewed as part of the review of restraint commissioned by his Department;
	(2)  how many children  (a) currently in young offender institutions, secure training centres and local authority secure accommodation and  (b) who left young offender institutions, secure training centres and local authority secure accommodation in the last 12 months were interviewed as part of the review of restraint commissioned by his Department;
	(3)  how many members of staff, at what level of employment, working in young offender institutions, secure training centres or local authority secure accommodation were interviewed as part of his Department's review of restraint in secure juvenile accommodation.

David Hanson: We intend to publish the review's methodology when we publish the report of the review. We plan to do this by the end of October.

Young Offenders: Yorkshire and the Humber

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps are being taken in  (a) Leeds and  (b) Yorkshire and Humberside to reduce the number of offenders imprisoned under the age of 14 years; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: Steps are being taken across the country to reduce the number of young people in custody. We have greatly strengthened and expanded the range of pre-court diversions and community sentences available for the police and courts, including those in Leeds and Yorkshire and Humberside, to use when dealing with young people who have offended. The Government's Youth Crime Action Plan, which was published on 15 July, builds on this by setting out cross-Government arrangements for tackling offending and re-offending by young people.
	For a small minority of young people who commit serious offences, custody is the only appropriate response to what has occurred and the only means of protecting the public.
	Any offender aged 14 or under who is sentenced to custody is accommodated in a secure training centre or secure children's home. These have high staffing ratios, a child-centred approach and a particular emphasis on education.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Bexley

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether she plans to visit the London Borough of Bexley.

John Healey: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no current plans to visit the London borough of Bexley.

Council Tax

Bob Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment her Department has made of the practicality of establishing additional council tax bands in England in the absence of a revaluation exercise; and what advice she has received from  (a) the Lyons inquiry team and  (b) the Valuation Office Agency on the matter in the last two years.

John Healey: The report of the Lyons inquiry Place-shaping: a shared ambition for the future of local government, discusses at Chapter 7 the practicality of establishing additional council tax bands in the absence of a revaluation exercise. A copy of the chapter is available at:
	http://www.webarchive.org.uk/pan/15454/20070428/www.lyonsinquiry.org.uk/docs/final-07.pdf
	No separate advice has been received from the Valuation Office Agency.
	The Government made their position clear on this issue in their press notice of 21 March 2007, which responded to the Lyons inquiry report. A copy of the press notice is available at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/government-welcomes-lyons

Council Tax

Bob Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what powers of entry local authorities have to ascertain the validity of claims for council tax  (a) exemptions and  (b) discounts.

John Healey: The legislative framework governing the council tax system does not provide local authorities with powers of entry in order to validate claims for council tax exemptions or discounts.

Eco-towns: Leicestershire

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many hectares of green wedge designated land will be developed through  (a) housing and  (b) non-housing development in the proposed Pennbury eco-town site.

Caroline Flint: Information that has been provided to us by the promoter in relation to the Pennbury proposal does not set out how many hectares of green wedge designated land will be developed for housing and non-housing development. We have therefore written to the promoter to seek this information based on their current plans, and I will write to the hon. Member with this information when we have obtained it.

Empty Property: Kent

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she has made of the number of commercial premises likely to be demolished in Kent as a result of the changes in empty property rates in 2008.

John Healey: An impact assessment detailing the likely effects of the empty property reforms was published by Communities and Local Government in May 2007 accompanying the introduction of the Rating (Empty Properties) Bill and a further assessment was laid before this House on the 26 February accompanying the Non-Domestic Rating (Unoccupied Property) (England) Regulations 2008Number: 386.

Empty Property: Regeneration

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent representations her Department and its agencies have received from urban regeneration companies on the effect of increases in empty property business rates on regeneration.

John Healey: The Department is not aware of receiving any recent representations from the Urban Regeneration Companies regarding empty property rates.

Empty Property: Regeneration

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment her Department has made of the effect of the new empty property business rates tax on regeneration schemes.

John Healey: An impact assessment detailing the likely impact of the empty property reforms was published by Communities and Local Government in May 2007 accompanying the introduction of the Rating (Empty Properties) Bill and a further assessment was laid before this House on the 26 February accompanying the Non-Domestic Rating (Unoccupied Property) (England) Regulations 2008Number: 386.

Home Information Packs

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has to review the operation and effectiveness of the home information pack scheme.

Caroline Flint: We continue to keep the implementation of Home Information Packs (HIPs) under review in light of market conditions. An evaluation of the HIPs programme is currently planned for 2010 by updating The HIPs Baseline Research Report, published in January 2007 and which is available on our website at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/hipbaselineresearch
	We will keep the timing of this evaluation under review in order that it should take place after the housing market has returned to more normal conditions and to enable the identification of the impacts of HIPs separately from wider housing market effects.

Homelessness

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what proportion of households presenting as homeless were accepted as such in  (a) England,  (b) each region and  (c) each London local authority in each of the last five years.

Iain Wright: holding answer 14 July 2008
	Information about English local housing authorities' actions under the homelessness legislation (part 7 of the Housing Act 1996) is collected quarterly at local authority level.
	Under the legislation, authorities must secure suitable accommodation for applicants accepted as eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need (or take steps to secure that accommodation does not cease to be available if the applicant is likely to become homeless within 28 days). CLG's quarterly homelessness Statistical Release refers to these duties as the main homelessness duties and relevant applicants are recorded as homeless acceptances.
	Two tables have been placed in the Library. Table A shows the number of eligible applicants for whom a decision was taken, and the number and proportion where the applicant was found to be eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need, and therefore accepted as being owed a main homelessness duty, between 2003-04 and 2007-08, by local authority. Note that the decision figures exclude applications by households not eligible for assistance under the legislation.
	Table B shows the same data for each Government office region and for England.
	The following table contains extracts from these two tables and shows the proportion of applicants for whom a decision was taken where the outcome was that the applicant was accepted as being owed a main homelessness duty, between 2003-04 and 2007-08, by Government office region and London local authority:
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			  England 45 45 44 46 48 
			   
			  Regions  
			 North-east 44 43 46 51 55 
			 North-west 42 44 42 45 45 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 42 37 34 36 40 
			 East midlands 48 50 52 56 59 
			 West midlands 44 44 41 46 52 
			 East of England 49 51 49 50 53 
			 London 45 46 45 46 48 
			 South-east 48 50 51 52 50 
			 South-west 51 49 47 44 46 
			   
			  London local authority  
			 Barking and Dagenham 46 51 67 (1) 49 
			 Barnet 19 16 (1) 63 50 
			 Bexley 32 36 27 30 36 
			 Brent 36 31 41 46 48 
			 Bromley 45 (1) 56 60 72 
			 Camden 64 63 71 64 62 
			 City of London 48 70 58 60 50 
			 Croydon 27 28 25 32 24 
			 Ealing 42 36 32 26 27 
			 Enfield 62 (1) 64 62 63 
			 Greenwich 40 40 37 46 52 
			 Hackney (1) 63 (1) 48 49 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 51 53 56 33 60 
			 Haringey (1) 72 72 64 89 
			 Harrow 40 18 20 29 38 
			 Havering 61 43 (1) 53 43 
			 Hillingdon 52 65 57 57 59 
			 Hounslow 61 68 64 68 63 
			 Islington (1) 47 (1) 41 42 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 48 48 27 (1) 24 
			 Kingston upon Thames 33 (1) (1) 24 24 
			 Lambeth 57 63 59 54 70 
			 Lewisham 54 58 55 58 82 
			 Merton 24 41 63 70 69 
			 Newham 72 (1) 55 46 44 
			 Redbridge 77 (1) 69 52 66 
			 Richmond upon Thames 41 58 57 46 48 
			 Southwark 71 65 53 47 49 
			 Sutton 30 30 37 40 40 
			 Tower Hamlets 70 63 55 66 (1) 
			 Waltham Forest 31 29 31 32 24 
			 Wandsworth 46 46 44 45 38 
			 Westminster 29 34 49 58 (1) 
			 (1) Data not reported  Source: CLG P1E data 
		
	
	Regional and local authority level data on the outcomes of all decisions are published quarterly in the Supplementary Tables which accompany the quarterly statistical release on Statutory Homelessness. These are published on our website and placed in the Library. The latest release was published on 12 June 2008.

Homelessness

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what methodology her Department uses to estimate the number of  (a) homeless people and  (b) rough sleepers.

Caroline Flint: The information requested is as follows.
	 Statutory Homelessness
	The Quarterly Statistical Release on Statutory Homelessness is a National Statistics product. National Statistics is a quality marker applied to official statistics that meet the highest statistical standards, and means that statistics have been produced in accordance with the arrangements and professional standards set out in the Code of Practice and associated Protocols.
	Information about English local authorities' actions under the homelessness legislation is collected by Communities and Local Government, on the quarterly PIE housing return submitted by local housing authorities.
	Data submitted include the number of households accepted by local housing authorities as eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need, and therefore owed a main homelessness duty (to secure that suitable accommodation is available). If a settled home is not immediately available, the authority must secure temporary accommodation until a settled home becomes available, and the data submitted include 'snapshot' information on the number of households in temporary accommodation at the end of each quarter. The PIE return does not include information on other forms of homelessness, for example rough sleeping.
	All PIE returns submitted by local housing authorities undergo thorough validation, and late returns are pursued to ensure that overall response is as complete and accurate as possible. Anomalous data are highlighted and verified by contacting the local authority.
	The data validation process typically takes around six weeks, after which estimates for missing data are calculated. The most recent published figures (January to March 2008) were based on full or partial returns from all 354 local authorities.
	Published national and regional figures may include estimates for a small amount of missing data from individual local authorities. These estimates are calculated using a procedure based on changes observed in similar authorities.
	Statutory homelessness statistics are published around 51 working days after the end of each quarter, on a pre-announced date in accordance with the National Statistics Code of Practice. The latest (12 June 2008) release and previous editions are available both in the Library and via the CLG website. The next Release is due to be published on 11 September 2008.
	 Rough Sleepers
	Local authorities evaluate the extent of rough sleeping within their area in accordance with the methodology on street counts set out CLG's 'Guidance on evaluating the extent of rough sleeping2007 revision'. Street counts are used to establish a robust annual estimate of the number of people sleeping rough on any given night, based on the sum of counts in areas where a known or suspected rough sleeping problems has been identified.

Housing: Energy Performance Certificates

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many  (a) home condition reports (HCRs) and  (b) energy performance certificates (EPCs) for domestic dwellings are entered on the (i) HCR Register and (ii) EPC Register respectively.

Caroline Flint: The number of home condition reports which have been entered on the Home Condition Report Register up to 4 September 2008 is 1,806.
	The number of energy performance certificates, for domestic dwellings, which have been entered on the Energy Performance Certificate Register up to 4 September 2008 is 1,113,626.

Housing: Waiting Lists

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many individuals were on social housing waiting lists in  (a) urban and  (b) rural areas in England in each year since 1997.

Iain Wright: The number of households on local authorities' housing waiting lists, split by urban and rural local authorities in England in each year from 1997 to 2007 is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of households 
			   Urban local authorities  Rural local authorities  England total 
			 1997 719,050 302,620 1,021,660 
			 1998 720,290 299,940 1,020,230 
			 1999 727,880 308,880 1,036,750 
			 2000 737,780 300,940 1,038,720 
			 2001 746,170 293,090 1,039,270 
			 2002 792,970 300,370 1,093,340 
			 2003 927,170 343,510 1,270,680 
			 2004 1,053,860 383,880 1,437,740 
			 2005 1,119,230 428,050 1,547,280 
			 2006 1,173,300 461,000 1,634,300 
			 2007 1,208,120 466,300 1,674,420 
			  Note: As reported by local authorities. Excludes households looking for transfers. Rounded to the nearest 10.  Source:  Communities and Local Government Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix return (HSSA). 
		
	
	Local authorities in England report the number of households on their housing waiting list as at 1 April in their annual Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix returns. Information on local authority waiting lists is collected in respect of households rather than individuals.
	Where local authorities and registered social landlords operate a common register, households registered with the RSL will be included in the data. However, registered social landlords are independent bodies and can keep their own waiting lists. These data are not collected centrally.
	A table has been deposited in the Library showing the number of households on local authorities' housing waiting lists and indicates whether each local authority is urban or rural.

Housing: Sales

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average sale price was of the homes built in the former Deputy Prime Minister's Design for Manufacture 60,000 home competition.

Caroline Flint: Construction of the homes on the 10 sites included in the Design for Manufacture competition is ongoing. However, I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Member for North-East Milton Keynes (Mr. Lancaster) on 6 March 2007,  Official Report, column 1890W, the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. Pickles) on 26 June 2007,  Official Report, columns 628-29W, and the hon. Member on 15 October 2007,  Official Report, columns 851-52W.

Local Authorities: Housing

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many homes she estimates will be bought by local authorities under the Ensuring a fair housing market for all programme; and how much money will be made available for such purchases in  (a) Cornwall,  (b) the South West and  (c) England.

Caroline Flint: On 2 September, we announced a major cross Government package of new measures to respond to current conditions in the housing market. This includes offering up to 10,000 first-time buyers currently frozen out of the mortgage market the chance to get onto the property ladder through a new shared equity scheme worth 300 million; supporting up to 6,000 of the most vulnerable homeowners facing repossession to remain in their home through a mortgage rescue scheme of 200 million; and bringing forward 400 million in order to deliver up to 5,500 new social homes over the next 18 months on top of current assumptions.
	Funding will be through the Housing Corporation's Affordable Housing Programme for 2008-11. Our intention is that it will be allocated broadly in line with existing allocations. The corporation will assess fit with regional and local strategies and will continue to work closely with regional assemblies.
	We have opened up competition for Social Housing Grant to ALMOs and other wholly owned local authority special purpose vehicles pre-qualified to bid through the Affordable Housing Programme. We will invite local authorities who continue to directly manage their stock to compete for grant on the same terms as those with special purpose vehicles.

Local Government

Linda Riordan: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many  (a) White and  (b) Green Papers on reforming the structure of local government have been published by her Department and its predecessors since 1997.

John Healey: Two such White Papers have included proposals for reforming the structure of local government. In 2002 Your Region, Your Choice: Revitalising the English Regions proposed that where a regional assembly was established local government throughout that region should become unitary. In 2006 Strong and Prosperous Communities: The Local Government White Paper recognised the weakness of the traditional two tier structure and announced that the Government would invite councils to make proposals for unitary local government.
	There have been no such Green Papers.

Local Government: Reorganisation

Bob Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will place in the Library copies of the independent financial reports her Department has received on the most recent round of unitary local government restructuring.

John Healey: I have no plans to publish the independent financial reports we received relating to the current round of unitary local government restructuring. As I told the First Delegated Legislation Committee of the House on 25 March 2008,  Official Report, column 5, this is advice to Ministers which is not generally released, although I have been quite clear about its conclusions on any restructuring when seeking the House's approval to it.

Mayor of London: Thames Gateway

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent discussions her Department has held with the Mayor of London on regeneration in the Thames Gateway area.

Caroline Flint: There have been no discussions with the Mayor of London on regeneration in the Thames Gateway since the Mayoral elections in May.

Mayor of London: Thames Gateway Bridge

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions her officials have had with the Mayor of London on the Thames Gateway Bridge in the last 12 months.

Caroline Flint: There have been no meetings between Ministers or officials from Communities and Local Government Department with the current Mayor of London on the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge.

Non-Domestic Rates: Empty Property

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the Answer of 9 July 2008,  Official Report, column 1637W, on non-domestic rates: empty property, what the addresses were of the properties where the four possible incidents took place; who the owner of each of the properties was; and whether her Department has been notified of any further cases since 20 June.

John Healey: The Government have asked local authorities to provide information about how reforms to the empty property rate are working. The information provided on evasion of empty property rates will be based on the informed judgment of individual officers and is being gathered as a broad indicator of the scale of possible avoidance activity and there is no suggestion the activity in question is unlawful. This is not a detailed survey. The Department has not collected the information requested. The Department has had further notifications and we will set out our general findings in due course.

Property Information Questionnaires

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which public sector bodies will have access to the information contained in property information questionnaires.

Caroline Flint: None. As set out in our consultation paper, the property information questionnaire would be completed by individual sellers and provided to prospective buyers as part of the HIP.

Religious Buildings

Bob Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  how many  (a) churches and  (b) other places of worship were recorded on the Valuation Office Agency's 2005 Rating List in each region in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many  (a) churches and  (b) other places of worship were on the Valuation Office Agency's 1995 rating list in (i) each government office region in England and (ii) Wales in 1997 or the closest periods to that for which figures are available.

John Healey: It is not possible to provide the number of churches and places of worship entered into the non-domestic rating lists for England and Wales.
	Generally places of worship are exempt from rates and do not appear in rating lists providing they are places not just of religious worship but of public religious worship. Places of worship also exist in schools, hospitals, colleges etc. and these properties will appear in rating lists but no record is kept of the number of such properties that contain places of religious worship.

Right to Buy Scheme: Discounts

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average right to buy discount  (a) in cash terms and  (b) as a percentage of the market value of the property was in (i) England and (ii) each Government Office region in England in each year since 1996-97.

Caroline Flint: Average Right to Buy discounts, and Right to Buy discounts as a proportion of market value of the property, for England and in each of the nine Government office regions for 1998-99 to 2007-08 are given in the following table. Information on the amount of discount and market value was not collected before 1998-99.
	
		
			   1998-99  1999-00  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			  Average Right to Buy discount per dwelling () 
			 North-east 14,490 10,670 12,590 11,680 13,240 14,850 18,800 21,100 21,010 21,470 
			 North-west 16,510 16,670 16,700 17,230 18,200 19,460 21,370 23,670 24,580 25,210 
			 Yorks and Humber 15,650 15,650 15,630 16,260 16,270 18,110 20,250 22,550 23,030 23,750 
			 East midlands 18,260 16,740 17,100 17,830 21,390 21,820 22,420 22,920 23,590 23,850 
			 West midlands 18,230 18,470 19,960 19,840 20,330 22,580 23,930 25,180 25,050 25,620 
			 Eastern 25,020 27,350 27,300 27,830 30,360 31,360 32,580 33,380 33,010 33,770 
			 London 34,070 36,150 37,140 36,990 35,960 37,190 35,490 30,180 21,150 20,700 
			 South-east 29,780 30,760 31,060 32,640 34,510 36,200 36,640 36,610 36,500 36,890 
			 South-west 21,230 21,670 23,090 24,880 26,460 28,430 28,870 29,340 29,300 29,680 
			 England 22,880 23,630 23,880 23,380 23,790 24,640 25,650 25,550 24,970 25,340 
			
			  Average Right to Buy discount as percentage of market value 
			 North-east 48 47 47 46 45 42 34 34 31 28 
			 North-west 48 48 47 46 45 43 41 37 34 32 
			 Yorks and Humber 47 47 46 46 44 43 40 35 31 28 
			 East midlands 50 46 45 43 41 38 35 31 28 27 
			 West midlands 49 48 49 47 44 40 34 33 30 30 
			 Eastern 49 47 45 43 39 35 33 30 27 25 
			 London 53 51 48 42 37 32 28 22 14 13 
			 South-east 50 47 44 42 39 35 32 30 28 26 
			 South-west 50 48 46 44 40 36 34 31 28 27 
			 England 50 48 47 44 41 37 33 31 27 24 
			  Source : Statistical Returns from Local Authorities (PIB)

Safeguarding Authorities Scheme

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will re-examine the appropriateness of the level of registration fee charged under the independent Safeguarding Authorities scheme; and on what basis the present fee was calculated.

Meg Hillier: I have been asked to reply.
	The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) Scheme is a new mandatory work force vetting scheme set up under the auspices of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 to improve protection for children and vulnerable adults.
	This scheme, which replaces some existing work force checking procedures, will come into operation in October 2009.
	The application fees referred to are additional to the existing Disclosure Service fees charged by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). It is envisaged that the total fee will be charged to users of the service by CRB, with a pass through of this element to ISA.
	As a self-funding service, the proposed additional fee chargeable to users of the scheme has been calculated to recover the full economic costs of the service over the first 54 months of operation, based on the estimate of paying users. Fee levels have been calculated to fully fund the scheme but not to return a profit.
	All employed applicants, whether in part-time or full-time employment and regardless of salary level, will be expected to pay to be checked to ensure that they do not pose a risk to vulnerable groups.
	Applicants will be required to pay a one-off fee of 64 at point of initial application to join the scheme. This fee will cover the applicant's life within the scheme and they will not be required to pay for further or repeat checks.
	However, applicants who work exclusively in unpaid voluntary capacities will not pay for the service but will be subsidised by the fees from paying users.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what changes to projects funded by her Department have been made as a result of implementation of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (Exemption of Certain Acquisitions of Residential Property) Regulations 2008.

Caroline Flint: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury today. (PQ 223363).

Water Supply

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 12 June 2008,  Official Report, columns 392-3W, on water supply, what the evidential basis is for the establishment of  (a) the benchmark in the Code for Sustainable Homes of 80 litres of water per person per day at Level 5 and  (b) the proposed building regulation design performance standard of 125 litres per person per day; what estimate she has made of the number of homes expected to achieve each target by 2021; and if she will make a statement.

Iain Wright: Average water consumption levels, which provide the basis for the two efficiency levels, were developed from a series of studies by Government, the Environment Agency and Industry which indicated a current UK average water consumption of 153 litres per person per day. The three levels set in the code of 120, 105 and 80 litres per person per day were developed after various scenarios were tested by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to illustrate the levels which should be achievable using various different combinations of technologies and approaches. The calculation for the scenarios is based upon usage assumptions within the Code Water Calculator, developed by the Water Research Council (WRC). The exemplary Code level 5/6 standard is demanding and requires significant change to specifications of fixtures and fittings.
	The basis for the establishment of the 125 litres per person per day standard was the consultation undertaken by the Government in 2007 on water efficiency in new dwellings. Respondents strongly supported the introduction of a whole building performance standard within Building Regulations, which would allow flexibility in the choice of appliances, while still reducing water consumption. The 125 litres standard, which will be introduced through an amendment to Part G of the building regulation (Water Efficiency) in 2009, is in line with the Code Level 1/2 (120 litres per head per day) and uses a simplified version of the Code Water Calculator but includes a small allowance (five litres) for external water use.
	Building to the Code for Sustainable Homes is not mandatory and the Government have made no assessment of the likely water efficiency levels of homes in 2021 as a result of its use. All new homes will need to meet the Part G water efficiency standard following its coming into force in 2009, subject to the relevant transitional arrangements.

TRANSPORT

Airports

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will meet representatives of airline operators to discuss the likely effects of airport ownership by airline operators.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Secretary of State meets regularly with aviation industry representatives to discuss a range of issues.
	The Competition Commission is currently undertaking an independent inquiry into the provision of airport services by BAA in the UK. This inquiry, due to conclude no later than March 2009, will consider airport ownership among other issues. The Secretary of State and I look forward to seeing its final conclusions in due course.

Airports: Luggage

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  which UK airports restrict passengers to one item of carry-on baggage;
	(2)  which UK airports will not scan more than one item of carry-on baggage per passenger.

Jim Fitzpatrick: In November 2007, the Secretary of State announced that the Department for Transport would consider lifting the one-bag restriction from 7 January 2008 at UK airports where they were able to demonstrate to our satisfaction their ability to maintain security standards in the absence of the Government imposed restriction.
	At present there are only two airportsLuton and Liverpool John Lennonwhere the Department has to date been unable to grant permission to lift the restriction. Officials are working closely with those airports with a view to being in a position to lift the restriction soon. Where the restriction has been lifted airports and their airlines may however continue to apply their own commercial policies on the number of bags that may be permitted.

Aviation: Flight Cancellation

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  how many flight cancellations there have been by airlines in respect of departures from UK airports in the last 12 months, broken down by  (a) airline and  (b) airport of departure; and what percentage of all such flights these figures represent;
	(2)  how many flight cancellations by each airline there were at each airport in Scotland between 1 January and 30 June 2008.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Department does not hold this information.

Aviation: Flight Cancellation

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many complaints her Department has received regarding non-compliance with regulations on compensation to passengers for delayed or cancelled flights since 17 February 2005.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Air Transport Users Council (AUC) has been designated as the complaints handling body for the UK under EC regulation 261/2004 on compensation and assistance to air passengers in the event of denied boarding, cancellation or long delays (EC 261/2004).
	From 17 February 2005 until 31 August 2008, the AUC dealt with 11,920 written complaints and 7,508 phone inquiries in relation to this regulation. A written complaint or phone inquiry does not necessarily mean that the regulation has not been complied with.
	Further details of AUC's activity in this area is in their annual reports, available through the following website:
	http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=306 pagetype=90pageid=917.

Aviation: Data Protection

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements her Department has put in place to monitor the purposes to which end users apply data provided by the UK on airline passengers travelling to the US.

Michael Wills: I have been asked to reply.
	In accordance with paragraph 4 of the agreement between the European Union and the United States of America on the processing and transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data by air carriers to the United States Department for Homeland Security (DHS), the Department for Homeland Security and the EU will periodically review the implementation of the agreement with a view to mutually assuring the effective operation and privacy protection of their systems.

Bus Services: Fares

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will meet bus operators' representatives to discuss return fare ticketing.

Rosie Winterton: Since deregulation of the bus industry in the 1980s, the majority of services outside London are provided on a commercial basis by private operators. As such, decisions such as the ticketing options available to passengers and the level of fares charged are mainly a matter for the commercial judgment of the operator concerned.

Cycling: Accidents

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many children were  (a) killed,  (b) seriously injured and  (c) non-seriously injured while riding a bicycle in each of the last five years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The number of child pedal cyclist (aged 0-15) casualties reported in personal injury road accidents in Great Britain between 2003 and 2007 are given in the table:
	
		
			  Number of child pedal cyclist (aged 0-15) casualties: 2003-07 
			  Number of casualties 
			  Severity of casualty  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007 
			 Killed 18 25 20 31 13 
			 Serious 577 552 507 472 509 
			 Slight 4,174 4,105 3,759 3,262 3,111 
			 Total 4,769 4,682 4,286 3,765 3,633

Cycling: Safety Measures

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps her Department is taking to promote the wearing of helmets by children whilst cycling; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Our road safety communications aimed at adults and children are taken forward through the THINK! road safety campaign. Our approach is informed by research evidence and casualty statistics, which have led us to focus the majority of our communications activity aimed at children on pedestrian safety.
	This has been delivered primarily through our Hedgehogs campaign (seewww.hedgehogs.gov.uk) and Arrive Alive (a Highway Code for young road users).
	Our most recent cycling helmet promotion has been with the music channel MTV where we launched an innovative Ad Idol competition focusing specifically on road safety. Here, we ran a competition to engage teenagers giving them the opportunity to create road safety adverts. The winning advert was aired on MTV channels to help build wider awareness of cycling safety.
	Currently we are developing a series of on-line films for a site called Videojug to provide best practice advice for parents on how to keep their children safe on the road, including a film about safety safe cycling which advises the wearing of cycling helmets. These films are due to appear in September and October 2008.
	We shall continue to review our approaches going forward. Our aim is to continue to innovate and engage with children.

Cycling: Safety Measures

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will support the Helmet Watch Initiative.

Jim Fitzpatrick: We are happy to support initiatives such as Helmet Watch which aim to increase cycle helmet wearing by children. I wrote to Angela Lee, Chief Executive of the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust, on 12 August, to advise her accordingly.

Cycling: Safety Measures

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families on children wearing helmets when cycling to school; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Secretary of State for Transport discussed a number of child road safety matters with the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families late last year, but not specifically wearing helmets while cycling to school.

Cycling: Safety Measures

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress her Department has made in its review of the wearing of cycle helmets by children; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Department has developed a new research project looking at a range of road safety and cycling issues. This will examine the following topics:
	Road user safety and cycling data
	Cycling infrastructure
	Attitudes and behaviours
	Bicycle helmets
	The project has been commissioned from a consortium led by TRL.
	The contract began on 21 August 2008 and will run for 24 months. Interim reports are due in March 2009 and the Department expects to publish the final reports in autumn 2010.

Cycling: Safety Measures

Elliot Morley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether cyclists are required by her Department to have a bell or audible warning on their bicycles.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Bells are currently required to be fitted at the point of sale of a bicycle, but there is no legal obligation to retain the bell when the cycle is in use. However, Rule 66 of the Highway Code recommends the fitting and use of cycle bells.

DVLA: Databases

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what procedure is undertaken by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to record each document received when multiple documents are received in a single envelope.

Jim Fitzpatrick: There is no single procedure that can be applied to all the variations of the contents of envelopes that DVLA receives. The common thread through all is that the letter, application or supporting document is sent to the right person to deal with it as quickly as possible. There are also stringent procedures in place to ensure that sensitive identity documents are returned securely to the applicant.

DVLA: Databases

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the proportion of records on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's road vehicle database which were accurate in each of the last five years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: DVLA records have been calculated as having the following levels of accuracy in the last five years:
	
		
			   Percentage 
			 2003-04 90 
			 2004-05 92 
			 2005-06 97.4 
			 2006-07 97.5 
			 2007-08 96.9 
		
	
	The improving accuracy of the database is the result of DVLA continuing to improve its systems and make them easier for the public to use, while also tackling non-compliance.

DVLA: Personal Records

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many instances have been reported of customers' paperwork being lost by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in each of the last five years; and how many complaints have been made to the DVLA about fines being imposed following such losses.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information is not held in the form requested for the entire period. However, following the introduction of an improved complaints monitoring database, it is possible to provide the number of complaints received regarding fines being imposed as a result of the alleged loss/non-receipt of customer paperwork for the period July 2007 to September 2008. During this period a total of 820 complaints were received concerning customers paperwork, of which 568 resulted in a fine being imposed. This number of cases represents 0.0015 per cent. of the total paperwork handled by the DVLA during the period. The DVLA continues to investigate ways of improving the service it provides to its customers.

East London Line

Martin Linton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions she has had with the Mayor of London on the completion of Phase 2 of the East London Line extension.

Rosie Winterton: The Secretary of State meets regularly with the Mayor of London. Recent discussions have included an undertaking that any genuine savings to the Department that were generated by the East London Line extension would be made available to Transport for London (TfL) to offset its costs. It is now for the Mayor and TfL to decide whether the scheme is a sufficient priority to proceed.

Heathrow Airport: Public Participation

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will make it her policy to publish all the responses to the consultation Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport at the same time as the Government's official response.

Jim Fitzpatrick: When decisions are announced on the future of Heathrow we will publish a summary of the consultation responses and place a copy in the Library. All responses will also be made available for inspection at the same time unless confidentially has been specifically requested.

Heavy Goods Vehicles

Stephen Ladyman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many weigh in motion sensors have been deployed; and what plans there are for further deployments.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) currently has four sites where weigh in motion sensors (WIMS) have been deployed. There are currently a further five sites in the process of having WIMS installed. In addition to this VOSA is currently planning another further site.

M25: Lighting

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the effects of overhead lighting on road safety on the M25; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: When the M25 was originally constructed each section was assessed in accordance with the policy at that time and overhead lighting was implemented where it could be demonstrated to offer a cost effective safety feature.
	As sections of M25 are widened an assessment is made in accordance with current Highways Agency standards. New lighting may be installed if the detailed analysis indicates a high number of night time accidents. Current Agency standards assume that the introduction of overhead lighting should result in a reduction of night time accidents in the order of 10 per cent. A recent example of the installation of lighting is the widening of the M25 between junctions 1b and 3 which followed the assessment process in the standard at that time. Other recent assessments have been carried out for the proposed widening schemes on the M25 16-23 and 27-30.
	Audits are carried out 12 months after the installation of lighting and again after 36 months to review accident data and compare them against the data that supported the introduction of the scheme.

Motor Vehicles: Licensing

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people were issued penalties due to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency not receiving a vehicle disposal notice in the last 12 months.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency issued 49,952 penalties to people who did not notify vehicle disposal in the last 12 months.

Motor Vehicles: Licensing

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average cost of issuing a notification to individuals when the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency had not received a disposal notice was in the last five years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information is not held in the form requested.

Motor Vehicles: Licensing

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many recorded instances there have been of individuals not receiving an acknowledgement letter in regards to a vehicle disposal notification when the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has received the notification in each of the last five years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information is not held in the form requested.

Olympic Games 2012: Transport

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when she plans to publish her Department's further work on the Government's proposals regarding the challenges to be addressed in the 2012 transport plan.

Rosie Winterton: I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement that was laid before this House on 1 July 2008,  Official Report, column 50WS.

Parking: Disabled

Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people had a Blue Badge disabled driver's permit in each year from 2002.

Rosie Winterton: The number of Blue Badges on issue in England, to the nearest 1,000, in the years from 2002 were as follows:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2002 2,019,000 
			 2003 2,030,000 
			 2004 2,054,000 
			 2005 2,092,000 
			 2006 2,224,000 
			 2007 2,318,000

Public Transport: Access

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps she is taking on access to public transport for parents and carers of infants and young children in prams; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Many parents and carers with infants or young children now find it much easier to use public transport. This is largely due to the accessibility improvements introduced by the Department to help people with disabilities.
	The introduction, for example, of the new generation of low floor buses has improved access not only to wheelchair users, but also to people with other mobility difficulties, people with small children in buggies, and people carrying heavy shopping or luggage.
	However, the provision of public transportin particular local bus servicesis a matter for commercial bus operators and local authorities. Commercial operators have the freedom to decide on their operational systems and practices. For commercial operators, addressing these and other concerns are key factors to their potential for increased patronage and revenue.

Roads: Stonehenge

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps she plans to take to ensure that roads around Stonehenge are both adequate to deal with the level of visitor traffic and appropriate for the special nature of the location.

Rosie Winterton: The performance of roads around Stonehenge is being considered as part of the review of the World Heritage Site Management Plan and consideration of alternative options for new visitor facilities currently being carried out by English Heritage. A Public Consultation is currently underway which will help to inform our decisions on the way forward.

Rolling Stock

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what railway rolling stock was off-lease as of 15 July 2008.

Rosie Winterton: The Department for Transport does not maintain records of off-lease vehicles as this is a matter for the Rolling Stock Companies. However, indications are that there is a very little usable rolling stock which is not either already on lease or due to come back on lease in the coming months.

Rolling Stock

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2008,  Official Report, column 8W, on rolling stock, how many train operating companies have had discussions with her Department on the provision of additional rolling stock since 2005.

Rosie Winterton: The Department for Transport has had discussions since 2005 with all train operating companies. Those discussions typically cover a wide range of issues and it is likely that all operators will have raised existing and proposed rolling stock provision on one or more occasions.

Rolling Stock

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans she has to change her Department's role in rolling stock procurement; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: We expect that train operators will continue to take the lead in procuring new rolling stock in most cases. This includes the 1,300 new carriages promised in the rail White Paper.
	Exceptions will be the Intercity Express and Thameslink programmes, both of which are major strategic projects which have necessitated the Department for Transport taking the lead. The industry, and train operators and Network Rail in particular, will nevertheless continue to be closely involved.

Sea Rescue: Hope Cove

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the reasons were for refusing permission for the Hope Cove inshore lifeboat to launch in response to the recent incident which involved two teenagers in difficulty in the sea.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The decision to remove the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's (MCA) general purpose boat at Hope Cove from the water was taken before the incident in question and was made on the strength of the information collated from recent surveys of the boat, which highlighted concerns about the state of its hull and interior space, At the time of the incident concerned, the crew of the MCA's Hope Cove general purpose boat crew took the decision to launch the boat, before they had managed to establish contact with Brixham Coastguard.

Sea Rescue: Hope Cove

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people have been assisted by the Hope Cove inshore lifeboat since 2000; how many boats have been towed by the lifeboat in that period; how many animals have been rescued by the lifeboat in that period; and how many times the boat has been launched in that period.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The incident data involving the Hope Cove general purpose boat from 2004 to present day is detailed as follows:
	
		
			   People rescued  People assisted  Boats towed  Animals rescued  Total callouts 
			 2004 2 5 2 2 5 
			 2005 2 8 1 0 8 
			 2006 0 1 0 0 7 
			 2007 2 3 2 0 6 
			 2008 0 1 0 0 2 
		
	
	The MCA changed the basis on which it collects incident information in 2004, when work began on setting up a more robust statistical database. Officials are currently interrogating the older data sets from a pre-2004 database and I will write to the hon. Member with this further information as soon as it is available.

Sea Rescue: Hope Cove

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions she has had with the Chief Coastguard and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on the  (a) role and  (b) operational area of the Hope Cove inshore lifeboat.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Ministers have regular discussions with the chief executive and other senior managers from the MCA about all aspects of the Agency's business.

Sea Rescue: Hope Cove

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the responsibilities and duties of the Hope Cove inshore lifeboat were until 2007; what they are now; and for what reasons they have been changed.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The MCA's Hope Cove general purpose boat was introduced in 1993 to provide a search and rescue asset covering Hope Cove and neighbouring Bigbury Bay areas. The role of the boat was to support first line assets in a waterborne rescue capacity. However, since the Salcombe RNLI lifeboat was installed in 2003, that role has changed. The Salcombe lifeboat operates extensively in the Hope Cove and Bigbury Bay areas and the need for the Hope Cove boat to fulfil a rescue support role has subsequently diminished. This is especially true now that the RNLI have upgraded their boat at Bantham to carry out rescues in the Hope Cove area. The Bantham boat is capable of reaching Hope Cove in less time (under six minutes) than the MCA's general purpose boat.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Departmental Appeals

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many occasions his Department has instructed the Treasury Solicitor to seek leave to appeal to the House of Lords from  (a) the Court of Appeal and  (b) the House of Lords itself in each of the last 10 years; and on how many occasions the application was rejected.

Paul Goggins: The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Buildings

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which organisations have received  (a) free and  (b) discounted room hire from (i) his Department and (ii) its agencies in each of the last five years; and what the commercial value of the discount was in each case.

Shaun Woodward: The information requested is not held and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Computers

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of  (a) the number of computer devices left on overnight in his Department when not in use and  (b) the cost of leaving computer devices on overnight when not in use in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: All Northern Ireland Office staff have been issued with guidance on shutdown procedures for personal computers when they are not in use. From figures that are held we estimate that an average of 280 are left on at night. The cost analysis requested has not been completed. This work is, however, within the scope of the green issues which will be incorporated in the ICT strategy update and green IT action plan to follow in September.

Departmental Overtime

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost of overtime payments paid to staff in his Department was in each of the last 12 months, broken down by pay grade.

Paul Goggins: The following table shows the amount of overtime incurred by the Northern Ireland Office, excluding its Agencies and Executive NDPBs, in 2007-08, which is the latest audit approved 12 month period:
	
		
			   
			   Senior Management  Middle Management  Executive Grades  Administrative/Support Grades 
			  2007 
			 April 995 1,828 5,250 5,224 
			 May 857 8,476 15,642 26,669 
			 June 1,166 8,141 11,688 27,380 
			 July 1,395 8,378 20,068 25,684 
			 August 2,651 9,794 16,138 32,707 
			 September 1,545 8,130 11,892 19,915 
			 October 1,003 9,239 16,625 30,843 
			 November 1,685 7,263 18,049 23,248 
			 December 803 6,797 14,382 23,388 
			  2008 
			 January 769 8,652 15,995 33,507 
			 February 2,530 8,080 18,837 22,767 
			 March 2,353 18,444 40,899 52,154 
			 Total 17,752 103,222 205,465 323,486

Departmental Paper

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of paper used  (a) for photocopying and  (b) in printed publications by his Department was from recycled sources in each of the last two years.

Shaun Woodward: This information is not recorded and therefore could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The Northern Ireland Office policy is to use paper for photocopying, printing and publications which is derived from at least 70 per cent. post-consumer waste. Currently we purchase office paper for printing and photocopying that is derived from 100 per cent. post-consumer waste, in line with the mandatory 'Buy SustainableQuick Wins' minimum environmental product standards developed by DEFRA.

Departmental Pay

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was claimed in reimbursable expenses by press officers in his Department in each of the last three financial years.

Paul Goggins: The following table shows the total reimbursable expenses paid to press officers in the Northern Ireland Office in the last three financial years:
	
		
			   Amount paid () 
			 2005-06 8,606 
			 2006-07 9,515 
			 2007-08 6,105

Departmental Postal Services

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps his Department has taken to monitor the cost of its mail services in the last 12 months.

Paul Goggins: The Northern Ireland Office uses both internal and external (predominantly Royal Mail) services to distribute mail. The internal mail distribution service is structured to deliver protectively marked material in an appropriate manner and, while costs are largely fixed, they represent good value for money.

Departmental Procurement

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his Department's policy is on requesting discounts from its suppliers in return for swift payment of invoices.

Shaun Woodward: The Northern Ireland Office's policy is that all suppliers should be paid within 30 days of receipt of a valid, undisputed invoice, as specified in the Department's model terms and conditions of contract or as agreed by both parties at the outset of each contract. The Department is also bound by the 'Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act'.
	The Northern Ireland Office does not request discounts for early payment as part of the procurement process, however, if individual suppliers offer discounts for early payment, the Department will ensure that the discounted invoices are paid within the required timeframe if this offers value for money.

Departmental Public Participation

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what  (a) reviews and  (b) public consultations have been initiated by his Department since 27 June 2007.

Shaun Woodward: The following reviews and public consultations have been initiated by my Department since 27 June 2007:
	 Reviews
	Review into Data Security Procedures in Public Inquiries
	 Public consultations
	Proposed Draft Criminal Damage (Compensation) (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2008;
	Test Purchase of Alcohol: Equality Impact Assessment and Guideline Principles;
	Proposed Northern Ireland Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2009;
	Improving Administration of Elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly;
	Anonymous Registration: Protecting Voters at Risk in Northern Ireland;
	Mentally Disordered Offenders Victim Information Scheme;
	Search Code of Practice issued under POCA 2002;
	Investigation Code of Practice issued under POCA 2002;
	Proposed Draft Criminal Justice (NI) Order 2007;
	Policy Discussion Paper on Alternatives to Prosecution;
	Draft Guidance Establishing New Public Protection Arrangements in NI;
	Draft Sexual Offences (NI) Order;
	Modernising Police Powers Your PACE, Your Say;
	Government's Proposals for the Safety of Older People.

Departmental Responsibilities

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which projects his Department has commissioned from  (a) think tanks and  (b) charities in each of the last two years for which figures are available; what the aim of each project was; which think tank or charity was commissioned; and how much was paid.

Shaun Woodward: In each of the last two years the Northern Ireland Office did not commission any projects from think tanks. The following table indicates the projects which were commissioned from charities.
	
		
			   Project  Charity commissioned  Amount paid () 
			 2006-07 Handyvan schemeto provide safety locks for older people in Belfast. Help the Aged 39,996.00 
			  To provide education, counselling and support to adjudicated offenders. NI Community Addiction Service (NICAS) 35,000.00 
			 
			 2007-08 Facilitation of consultation on the 'Government's Proposal for the Safety of Older People'. Age Concern and Help the Aged 3,578.37

Offensive Weapons

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland were charged with offences relating to knife crime in each of the last three years.

Paul Goggins: The Chief Constable has provided the following answer.
	The number of people in Northern Ireland cleared by means of Charge or Summons in Northern Ireland with offences relating to knife(1) crime in each of the last three years is as follows:
	
		
			   Cleared by means of charge/summons( 2) 
			 2005-06 321 
			 2006-/07(3) 330 
			 2007-/08(4) 397 
			 (1) The figures relate to crimes where a knife was involved in the incident; the system does not record the detail of how the knife was used. (2) It is not possible to disaggregate the figures between charged and summons (3) It is not possible to compare figures year on year, as PSNI adopted a higher evidential standard in respect of non-sanction clearances (those where no further action is taken by the police, mainly due to the victim not wanting formal action taken by the police or due to no prosecution being directed) in April 2006, with farther changes made to the definition of clearance from 1 April 2007. (4) A new crime record system, NICHE, was introduced on 1 April 2007. Under the old system, ISIS, the Modus Operandi would have been recorded as 'knife', with NICHE the MO would show 'instrument - knife/bladed'. Furthermore, within the new recording system, the instrument used is linked to an occurrence which may contain one or more crimes. This may lead to some inflation of offence levels from the NICHE system.

Offensive Weapons

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many offences were committed in each police command unit in Northern Ireland in which a knife was employed by the perpetrator in each of the last three years.

Paul Goggins: The Chief Constable has provided the following answer:
	The following table details the number of offences committed in each police command unit in Northern Ireland in which a knife was employed by the perpetrator in each of the last three years:
	
		
			   2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			 Antrim 31 16 35 
			 Ards 39 24 41 
			 Armagh 17 13 20 
			 Banbridge 8 8 14 
			 East Belfast 38 49 50 
			 North Belfast 173 127 122 
			 South Belfast 112 122 61 
			 West Belfast 112 75 69 
			 Ballymena 43 41 47 
			 Ballymoney 5 8 2 
			 Carrickfergus 13 8 34 
			 Coleraine 56 38 46 
			 Cookstown 2 4 9 
			 Craigavon 61 48 90 
			 Castlereagh 27 20 11 
			 Dungannon and South Tyrone 10 3 18 
			 Down 27 30 18 
			 Fermanagh 22 15 23 
			 Foyle 68 63 70 
			 Lame 14 16 17 
			 Limavady 22 12 45 
			 Lisburn 29 23 53 
			 Magherafelt 1 4 9 
			 Moyle 5 3 2 
			 Newtownabbey 67 55 88 
			 North Down 43 50 20 
			 Newry and Mourne 58 63 21 
			 Omagh 19 21 11 
			 Strabane 8 9 15 
			 Total 1130 968 1061 
		
	
	The figures relate to crimes where a knife was involved in the incident; the system does not record the detail of how the knife was used.
	A new crime record system, NICHE, was introduced on 1 April 2007. Under the old system, ISIS, the Modus Operandi would have been recorded as 'knife', with NICHE the MO would show 'instrument-knife/bladed'. Furthermore, within the new recording system, the instrument used is linked to an occurrence which may contain one or more crimes. This may lead to some inflation of offence levels from the NICHE system.

Offensive Weapons

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many knife crimes were recorded in Northern Ireland in  (a) April 2007,  (b) May 2007,  (c) June 2007,  (d) April 2008,  (e) May 2008 and  (f) June 2008.

Paul Goggins: The Chief Constable has provided the following answer:
	The following table details the number of knife crimes that were recorded by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in April, May and June 2007 and April, May and June 2008:
	
		
			   2007  2008 
			 April 67 83 
			 May 110 62 
			 June 63 98 
			 Total 240 243 
		
	
	The figures relate to crimes where a knife was involved in the incident; the system does not record the detail of how the knife was used.

Offensive Weapons: Detection Rates

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the police clear-up rate for knife crime in Northern Ireland was in each command unit in the last 12 months.

Paul Goggins: The Chief Constable has provided the following answer:
	Clearance rates for recorded crimes where a knife was involved in an incident in Northern Ireland in each command unit from 1 July 2007 to 301 June 2008 is shown in the following table.
	
		
			   Clearance rate (percentage) 
			 Antrim 47.4 
			 Ards 40.5 
			 Armagh 59.1 
			 Banbridge 40.0 
			 East Belfast 38.6 
			 North Belfast 43.4 
			 South Belfast 33.3 
			 West Belfast 29.2 
			 Ballymena 58.3 
			 Ballymoney 0.0 
			 Carrickfergus 50.0 
			 Coleraine 53.8 
			 Cookstown 57.1 
			 Craigavon 38.8 
			 Castlereagh 100.0 
			 Dungannon and South Tyrone 83.3 
			 Down 44.4 
			 Fermanagh 52.0 
			 Foyle 34.8 
			 Lame 26.7 
			 Limavady 20.8 
			 Lisburn 37.2 
			 Magherafelt 71.4 
			 Moyle 0.0 
			 Newtownabbey 38.0 
			 North Down 66.7 
			 Newry And Mourne 50.0 
			 Omagh 21.4 
			 Strabane 46.7 
			 Total 42.1 
			  Note: The figures relate to crimes where a knife was involved in the incident; the system does not record the detail of how the knife was used.

Police Service of Northern Ireland: Manpower

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average number of police officers was in each district command unit in Northern Ireland in each of the last two years.

Paul Goggins: It is not possible to provide the figures for the last two years as the new District structure only commenced on 1 April 2007. The following table provides average actual police strengths for each District Command Unit for financial year 2007-08:
	
		
			  District  Regular  Full- time r eserve  Part- t ime  r eserve 
			 A District 543.5 87.25 52.25 
			 B District 567.25 58.75 146.75 
			 C District 548.38 55.75 134 
			 D District 625 71.75 195 
			 E District 629.5 106 89.5 
			 F District 495.5 46 44.25 
			 G District 544.56 67.25 63.75 
			 H District 486.75 32.75 115.25

Theft: Metals

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many incidences of theft of metals were recorded in each Police Service of Northern Ireland District Command Unit area in each of the last 12 months; how many successful prosecutions have been brought as a result; and what penalty was imposed in each case.

Paul Goggins: The Chief Constable has provided the following answer:
	The number of incidences of theft of metals which have been recorded in each of the PSNI district command unit areas for the period July 2007 to June 2008 is shown in the following table:
	
		
			   2007 
			   July  August  September  October  November  December 
			 Antrim 0 1 1 1 0 0 
			 Ards 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Armagh 3 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Banbridge 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 East Belfast 0 1 0 0 0 0 
			 North Belfast 0 0 1 3 0 1 
			 South Belfast 0 0 0 0 0 1 
			 West Belfast 0 0 1 0 0 1 
			 Ballymena 2 0 0 2 1 2 
			 Ballymoney 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Carrickfergus 1 0 2 0 0 0 
			 Coleraine 0 0 0 0 0 1 
			 Cookstown 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Craigavon 1 0 0 1 1 0 
			 Castlereagh 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Dungannon and South Tyrone 2 0 1 2 0 0 
			 Down 0 2 0 0 1 0 
			 Fermanagh 1 5 2 9 9 10 
			 Foyle 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Lame 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Limavady 0 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Lisburn 0 1 1 3 2 1 
			 Magherafelt 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Moyle 0 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Newtownabbey 0 0 0 1 1 0 
			 North Down 0 0 0 1 0 1 
			 Newry and Mourne 0 0 0 0 0 1 
			 Omagh 0 0 0 1 1 1 
			 Strabane 0 0 0 1 1 0 
			 Total 11 11 10 26 19 20 
		
	
	
		
			   2008  
			   January  February  March  April  May  June  Total 
			 Antrim 0 3 1 2 0 6 15 
			 Ards 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 
			 Armagh 2 1 2 1 2 8 22 
			 Banbridge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 East Belfast 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 
			 North Belfast 2 3 5 0 4 6 25 
			 South Belfast 1 2 4 0 3 1 12 
			 West Belfast 0 0 0 1 1 0 4 
			 Ballymena 1 0 1 2 3 0 14 
			 Ballymoney 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 
			 Carrickfergus 0 1 0 0 0 2 6 
			 Coleraine 2 0 1 1 0 1 6 
			 Cookstown 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 
			 Craigavon 0 3 4 4 1 3 18 
			 Castlereagh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Dungannon and South Tyrone 0 1 1 1 1 2 11 
			 Down 0 0 0 1 3 2 9 
			 Fermanagh 3 4 3 1 5 3 55 
			 Foyle 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 
			 Lame 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 
			 Limavady 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 
			 Lisburn 2 3 6 6 0 7 32 
			 Magherafelt 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 
			 Moyle 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 
			 Newtownabbey 0 1 1 3 1 6 14 
			 North Down 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 
			 Newry and Mourne 0 1 3 1 0 2 8 
			 Omagh 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 
			 Strabane 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 
			 Total 18 25 35 25 25 55 280 
			  Notes : 1. Metals include aluminium, brass, copper, ferrous, lead non-ferrous and scrap. 2. As there is not a specific offence of theft of a metal, it is not possible to provide an answer to the other parts of this question